5 Eco-Friendly Valentine's Day Gifts

Valentine's Day, a time for expressing love, often involves traditional gifts like heart-shaped chocolates and roses. In 2024, American shoppers are expected to spend nearly $2 billion on flowers, mainly roses, flown in from Latin America. The environmental cost of these flower delivery flights is significant, burning around 30 million gallons of fuel and emitting approximately 360,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

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This Valentine’s Day, let’s explore how we can not only convey our love but also contribute to a healthier planet. Here are some sustainable Valentine's Day gifts:

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1. Buy local plants instead of roses

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Rather than gifting a traditional bouquet of roses, consider giving a potted plant or a bouquet of locally sourced, seasonal flowers. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting flowers over long distances but also provides a lasting gift that can be enjoyed for months or even years.

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2. Shop from ethical brands

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When selecting a gift, explore sustainable brands for eco-friendly Valentine's gifts. For example,  instead of the typical heart-shaped box of chocolates, opt for ethically sourced chocolates. Consider opting for jewelry pieces that are vintage or made from sustainable materials, ethically sourced gemstones, or even upcycled materials. Pick sustainable wine produced in vineyards that prioritize ecosystem conservation.

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3. Experiences over things

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Instead of a tangible gift, plan a memorable experience for a sustainable Valentine's Day for your loved one. This could be a romantic weekend getaway, a cooking class, or tickets to a local event. Experiences create lasting memories and often have a smaller environmental impact than physical gifts, especially if they involve local activities.

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4. Gifts for a sustainable lifestyle

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Choose eco-friendly Valentine's gifts that promote sustainability in everyday life. Opt for sustainable gifts like a stylish reusable water bottle or a set of reusable shopping bags. Or consider gifting a subscription to a service that promotes sustainable living, like a monthly delivery of sustainable products, a subscription to a fair trade coffee club, or a membership to a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

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5. DIY gifts

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Get creative and make something special for your significant other. Handmade gifts, whether it's a personalized photo album, a piece of art, or a crafted item, show thought and effort. It's a unique way to express your love while minimizing the environmental impact associated with mass-produced goods and shipping.

This Valentine's Day, let’s make green the color of love and do our part for a healthier planet. To explore more ways to become sustainable, download Commons and join our community of tens of thousands of people.