We have already discussed that if you’re committed to ridding your life of plastic and extra waste, the holidays can be challenging. And if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day this February 14, we suggest showing love to Mother Nature, too! It is possible to still celebrate love in a conscious way that minimizes your carbon footprint. Here are some ideas on keeping things green in a holiday full of red and pink and has a better impact on the earth.
- Bake a batch of valentine treats and attached a handwritten love letter
- Make the day about experiences rather than things by hiking together or visiting an indoor butterfly garden
- Give plants to have in the house or the promise of a new tree come Spring
- Take a cooking class together as a date night
- If you purchase a gift, wrap it in a fun, reusable bag that can will work for those days at the beach or at your local farmers’ markets.
If you have young school kids there is an added pressure to purchase valentines for the whole class. Try your hand at making seed bombs or soaps. Make bookmarks out of craft paper or yarn. You’ll have fun creating gifts with your little one(s) and feel good knowing you did your part to not contribute to more waste.
Whether handmade or non-material, there are lots of great idea out there. Give sustainably by committing to creating by hand instead of checking out at a store. If you are purchasing gifts, make sure 
they’re friendly to the earth. Shop from local companies that are celebrated for their sustainable practices and find presents that recycle, repurpose, or restore. Whatever you decide to give, let’s try to keep things a little greener this Valentine’s Day.