Cannnn you feel the love tonight? Yes, my friends, Valentine’s Day is coming up quickly!
It’s said we began celebrating Valentine’s Day centuries ago, but it’s only in the 19th century that it started to look like the holiday we know today: consumerist and mass-produced. And traditional Valentine’s Day gifts can be extremely wasteful: carbon emissions associated with cut-flower production can be as high as 3 kg of CO2 PER FLOWER. And don’t get me started on plasticky cards, balloons, or teddy bears!
But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate love! At Good On You we like seeing Valentine’s Day as a day of appreciation, showing the people around us we love them: it can be a partner, partners, friends, family, pets, or simply ourselves (that’s the most important part for us).
And there are ways we can thoughtfully treat ourselves and others while protecting the planet and its inhabitants. Which is why we listed 14 ethical and sustainable Valentine’s Day gift ideas that will help you spread some eco-friendly love!
Roses are red
As we started discussing above, offering flowers can have quite a negative impact on the environment. But we know flowers are also a great and simple gift! If you’re really set on offering flowers, we recommend having a look at locally-grown and seasonal flowers. But you could also offer dried flowers that will last much longer, a plant (succulents are cute and easy to care for), or even a tree!
Chocolates are forever
Chocolates are also a very popular Valentine’s Day gift, and understandably! But most store-bought chocolates aren’t super eco-friendly or ethical.
In fact, some of the biggest candy manufacturers have a huge impact on the environment: chocolate production massively contributes to deforestation and species extinction due to the demand for sugar, palm oil, and cocoa beans. Some companies have also been found to source their cocoa from countries that use child labour or slave labour. And let’s not forget non-recyclable wrapping or packaging.
So instead, why not make your own treats? Cupcakes, cookies, cakes—there are so many recipes you can find on the Internet to satisfy your loved ones’ sweet tooth (and your own). Looking for some inspo? We love these 15 Valentine’s Day vegan treats.
And whatever you choose to bake, don’t forget the most important ingredient of all: LOVE.
Time is priceless
Gifting yourself or your significant other time is also an amazing, almost waste-free idea! It can be some alone time, spending time helping and supporting the other person, or other people in general, or it could also be experiences, such as classes, workshops, massages, spa days, retreats, staycations…
Sustainable gifts
If you prefer offering a tangible gift, or if you think the other person would prefer a long-lasting present, why not offer them a sustainable Valentine’s Day gift from one of these ‘Good’ and ‘Great’ brands?
