5 Creative Ways to Have a Sustainable Valentine’s Day in 2022
Jan. 14, 2022 | Written by Lana Kisner
Valentine’s Day is meant to celebrate the ones we love, yet the commercialization of the day supports mindless consumption and waste. Living a green life comes from mindful lifestyle changes, but how can we apply this to celebrating Valentine’s Day?
Enjoying a sustainable Valentine’s Day in 2022 requires being conscious consumers and thinking outside the box. From buying eco-friendly gifts to choosing memories over material items, there are many ways in which Valentine’s Day and a sustainable lifestyle can live in harmony.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day without contributing to the wasteful market around it, then you’ll love these eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
1. Make Your Own Homemade Cards
Yes, there are thousands of Valentine’s Day Cards to choose from, but do any of them truly say what you feel? And is a store-bought card worth holding on to, or will it likely end up in the trash can next week?
Instead of standing in the store aisle trying to find a card that says what you feel, you could make your own eco-friendly Valentine's Day cards instead! You can use recycled materials or another artistic medium you enjoy. It takes a bit more work, but a homemade card is one they’ll cherish.
2. Rethink Valentine’s Day Gifts
As the new year begins, department store aisles suddenly fill with boxes of chocolate and giant teddy bears dressed in red and pink hues. They’re neither thoughtful nor personal, and they support an industry that mass produces cheap items that end up in landfills just as quickly.
Instead of shopping at a big-name retailer, consider opting for sustainable Valentine’s Day gift ideas that truly show how much you care while also showing love to the Earth. Shop for hand-made gifts from small businesses or look for items made from organic, fair-trade or recycled materials.
Instead of store-bought wrapping paper to conceal your gift, choose recycled wrapping paper. You can also place gifts in a reusable container such as this Woven Rectangular Rattan Storage Basket.
Eco-friendly Valentine's Day Gifts for Her
Popular Valentine’s Day gifts for her include flowers, perfume, wine and chocolates. While there’s nothing wrong with sticking with the classics, being mindful about your selections will keep them aligned with sustainable living while making them that much more meaningful.
Whether you’re shopping for Valentine's Day gift ideas for your wife, girlfriend, or mom, the following tips put a new spin on tradition.
Potted Plants Over Cut Flowers
A dozen roses are a classic Valentine’s Day gift idea for her, but they last for a week and then whither. Rather than buying cut flowers, why not choose a potted plant that can decorate a space for years? There are plenty to choose from, and you can even choose a matching flowerpot.
If she has a garden, you can also consider buying a new addition for it. Not only could you spend time planting it together, but it is a symbolic addition that is sure to warm her heart every time she steps outside.
Organic or Fair-trade Wine and Chocolates
Wine and chocolates are everywhere before Valentine’s Day, but many come from major corporations that don’t give back to the supply chain and that leave a big carbon footprint.
Before you pick out wine and chocolates at the grocery store, look for locally made products instead. Not only does buying locally made products support your local economy, but it also reduces the carbon footprint that comes with packaging and delivery.
Self-Care Gift Basket
Store-bought lotions and fragrances aren’t very personal and often contain harmful chemicals. To give a gift for self-care, why not cater to her natural beauty?
A great way to do this is with a self-care gift basket that’s filled with sustainable and eco-friendly products such as:
- Sea-Sponge Loofah
- Natural Facial Cleaning Brush
- Chemical- and Paraben-free Soaps and Lotions
- Massaging Wooden Hairbrush
- Organic Beauty Masks
Eco-Friendly Gifts Ideas for Him
Popular Valentine’s Day gifts for him include grilling or bar accessories, wallets, and bespoke items. If you’re crafty, you may be able to make some of these at home, or you can shop from small businesses. Whenever possible, look for products made from natural materials and organic ingredients.
Homemade Spices or Bitters
Whether he likes to grill or he’s proud of his home bar, an organic and homemade addition makes a great gift. And while homemade can literally mean your home, you may also be able to find some great choices from a local vendor.
Recycled Accessories
For a unique and eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gift, consider buying a product made from recycled materials. From wallets to watches, you may be amazed at how many beautiful and recycled pieces you can find.
Wallets and belts are often made from items like old tires and plastic bags, while watches can be made from recycled metals, wood barrels, or even snowboards! Recycled pieces are unique, and they’ll often support small businesses as well.
A Gift Basket of His Favorite Things
If he works hard and needs little, then a collection of his favorite things may be better than any singular item, and gift baskets are a great way to create a customized gift. You could include items such as:
- Snacks
- Spices
- Alcoholic Spirits
- Coffee
- Hobby-related Accessories
- Clothing
Don’t hesitate to include self-care items when thinking of Valentine’s Day gift basket ideas for him. Many men enjoy being pampered too, so think along the lines of organic fragrances and lotions, specialty razors, or this Boar Bristle Bath Brush.
3. Choose Experience Over Material Gifts
For a different kind of Valentine’s Day gift idea, consider experiences instead. While we all enjoy material items, making memories is arguably more valuable.
Find an activity you both like, something you’ve never done, and share the memory of having a “first” together. Alternately, you could each choose a surprise for the other and make a fun-filled day out of it.
4. Romantic Night In
It doesn’t have to take a lot of money or stuff to show someone you love them. A romantic night in is a relaxing and intimate Valentine’s idea for her or him, and you can set it up with the treats you both love.
Homecooked dinner is always a great way to start off a romantic night in. Although eating out can be a treat, cooking at home can be an intimate shared experience that also gives you full control of what’s on the menu and of the ingredients used. Dress things up by using these Rattan Basket Trays to present snack and desserts, and set the mood further with organic candles and your favorite soft music.
A bath for two is a sensual way to end the evening, and there are many ways you can add to the experience. Whether you prefer massages, snacks, bubbles, or all of the above, a natural Bamboo Bathtub Tray makes it easy to keep everything you need on hand.
5. Take a Staycation and Be a Tourist in Your City
Once we become familiar with an area, it is easy to lose appreciation for the wonderful surrounding us. To feel like you’re getting away without the travel time, you can choose to take a staycation and be a tourist in your own city.
When dining out, choose family-owned businesses or those that operate under sustainable practices to treat yourself without abandoning your green lifestyle. You may even find a new favorite eatery!
Although it’s not necessary to play tourist, spending the night in a hotel or other accommodation can really make your staycation feel authentic. If you search for eco-friendly and sustainable accommodations, you’ll know you’re supporting a business that is trying to do better, and you won’t have to feel bad about enjoying any amenities.
Conclusion
The convenience of mass-produced Valentine’s Day products may be alluring, but there are simple ways that you can have a sustainable Valentine’s Day in 2022. By being mindful of the products we purchase and by choosing experiences over items, we can celebrate the ones we love while staying true to a green lifestyle.
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