Valentine's Day can often be one of the worst days of the year for the environment. Gifts excessively packaged in plastic, tacky cards and overpriced chocolates, with so much waste ending up in landfill within days. But there are plenty of options if you are looking for an eco-friendly Valentine's Day that still shows your loved one how much you care.
Often the best things for the environment are experiences rather than gifts, so we have a few ideas below. But if you would like to give a gift, we have lots of eco-friendly choices for that at www.thegreenturtle.co.uk too!
Experiences
Not only is a sustainable Valentine's Day good for our planet, it can also often be better for your bank balance. Experience ideas could include a voucher for meal at your favourite restaurant (at a future date when the price is not inflated because of the date!), or a home-made romantic meal at home. Shop together for locally-grown produce, share the cooking with a drink in hand, then turn off the phones, light some candles and ignore the dishes!
Alternatively, take the time out of busy diaries to go on a woodland walk, enjoy the cinema or find an exhibition or museum that you just haven't found the time to visit and make it happen. Tie these in with a 2-minute beach clean to truly feel you've done something for the planet too!
And of course, don't forget the simple pleasure of breakfast in bed!
Get creative
You don't have to be particularly crafty to make something thoughtful for your other half. How about some love heart cookies or home-made fudge? Or make up a thoughtful lunch in an eco-friendly lunchbox? A handmade card from recyclable paper with a thoughtful message shows much more thought. Pinterest has a huge number of ideas for inspiration.
Eco-friendly gift
Why not agree that you will only swap gifts if they are eco-friendly? Charity shops are a fantastic source of gifts, with some real finds available and are the ultimate source for previously loved gifts.
We also have a huge range of eco-friendly gifts at The Green Turtle. How about an eco-love gift set or soap gift set? A love heart natural bath loofah or some Funky Soap beard and body shampoo? Or swap flowers for beeboms, which will flower for the benefit of bees in the future?
Check out lots more environmentally-friendly Valentine's day gift ideas here or check out our unique eco-friendly gift sets. Buy for a partner or treat yourself!
Lastly, think about your wrapping - reuse gift bags, newspaper or fabric wrapping. We also have some lovely plastic-free options here:.
What are your favourite eco-friendly Valentine's ideas? We'd love to hear your plans! Wishing you all a lovely day.