Valentine's Day: Give the Gift of Love
Whether you celebrate with your significant other or your closest friends, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show your nearest and dearest that you care. While February 14th devotes itself to love, unfortunately it does not always show that same love to our environment. The ample amount of CO2 emissions and paper and packaging waste from this day are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the environmental impact of mass consumerism. The good news is, we can do something about it! We don't have to concede to commercialism to have a memorable Valentine's. Below are some of our tried-and-tested suggestions for keeping things green amongst the sea of red and pink.
Write it Down
Skip the store-bought card and write a letter -- bonus points if it's on recycled paper. We guarantee it's the gift your partner or friend will keep much longer than a pre-written card from a mass-retailer.
Need inspiration for what to write? Consider these things: Your favorite memory together, something they do that always makes you laugh, an inside joke, a nickname, how they make you feel when they are around or their best qualities.
If you still love the idea of a card, consider purchasing a recycled card like those from Green Field Paper Company. Their cards come embedded with flower seeds, so your loved one can plant it afterwards.
Treasured Tour
Revisit your favorite space, relive significant moments, recreate a favorite activity, or just relax in places that bring you joy.
Try this idea: You pick one or a couple of places and your partner does the same. Then you surprise each other with the locations.
Places can include a viewing spot with beautiful scenery, the place where you first met, your favorite coffee shop, your top place to walk the dog together, the list goes on. The more personal, the better.
A different idea? How about touring somewhere completely new and making fresh memories, such as a museum you've been meaning to visit.
On the Menu
Music to Their Ears
The days of mix tapes may be in the past, but that does not mean that a personalized playlist isn't still a fantastic and thoughtful idea.
You can sign up for free on websites such as Spotify and YouTube and create a playlist packed with songs that remind you of fun times and memorable moments, romantic songs, or perhaps a personalized workout playlist.
To personalize it further, write out a short note about how and why each song made its way on to the coveted playlist. Now just sit back, relax and tune in together.
Sweet Treats
Chocolate has been considered an aphrodisiac since the time of Aztecs, so naturally it's a top choice to create a romantic evening. You can make a conscious choice by only purchasing fair trade, so you can help chocolate pickers receive a fair wage for their cocoa beans. Endangered Species Chocolate is a brand that have strict standards on quality, ethical trade and environmental sustainability. Also, 10% of their profits goes to the Rainforest Trust and the Wildlife Conservation Network.
You may also wish to enjoy a nice bottle of wine or champagne. Research the type of wine you like, and for wine from the U.S. look for labels California Certified Sustainable, Demeter, LIVE, Lodi Rules, or SIP.
Seriously Good Gifts
Go beyond the ordinary gift, while reducing your environmental impact by shopping vintage. In a world of endless fast-fashion, vintage clothing and objects have become a badge of honor. Another suggestion is to invest in pieces made from upcycled and found items, such as SToNZ.
If you want a gift that is extra personal, try repurposing something that belongs to your loved one. There are some great DIY ideas on Pinterest, but there are also companies like Project Repat who specialize in turning t-shirts into handcrafted quilts. Mementos such as concert t-shirts or sports team jerseys can get a second life, all while keeping you both cozy!
Nurturing Nature
Take a step away from the hustle and bustle together and reconnect with nature.
A 90-minute walk has positive effects on the brain, according to a Stanford study, and the light exercise will release endorhipns to make you both feel good about your date.
Why not take a complete break from regular routine and spend the entire night in nature? Cozy up in a tent with the essentials, whether you chose your back yard or a local camping spot. Want a little more luxury? Try a 'glamping' spot through Air B'n'B or Getaway House.
Helping Hands
A fun way to spend a date while also giving back is by volunteering. It's a win-win, in fact studies show that volunteering benefits everyone involved. There are many options available so start by googling causes and see what people are doing in your local area. Websites such as VolunteerMatch are also a helpful way to find volunterring opportunities.
If you don't the have time to volunteer but still want to give back, consider donating the money you would have spent on Valentine's gifts to a non-profit with a cause close to both of your hearts.
Flower Power