Looking for the Perfect Valentine’s Gift?

Roses are red, violets are blue. Did you know that Valentine's Day is the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas?

In the United States alone, approximately 190 million Valentine's Day cards are sent annually, with over US$21.8 billion being spent on Valentine's gifts in 2021.

But once we've read the cards, unwrapped all the gifts, and discarded the decorations, they all end up in landfills, creating more non-recyclable waste that harms the environment.

So, let's celebrate love for your partner, friend, family, or yourself by finding more sustainable, ethical, and environmentally-friendly Valentine's ideas -- without harming the Earth!

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Gift a plant - not roses!
Approximately 224 million roses are grown specifically for Valentine's Day, yet these roses will eventually die and get discarded. Instead of bouquets, why don't you gift your loved ones a living houseplant - ones that can grow and produce oxygen for your house.

Buy fair-trade candies and chocolate
Candies and chocolate are classic Valentine's gifts - but do make sure to buy ethically-sourced chocolate from fair-trade merchants that practice safe and fair working conditions for their workers.

Make your own cards
Instead of buying pre-made cards, channel your creative side and create homemade Valentine's cards for your loved ones. You can also use recyclable paper or reuse existing decorations to make your cards. Not only is it more personal and memorable, but you'll also help save trees!

No more wrapping paper!
Festive and colorful wrapping paper used to be a staple for gift-giving, but it creates unnecessary waste in landfills because it cannot be recycled. As an alternative, try using eco-friendly recycled kraft paper, or better yet, use a reusable gift bag.

Eat locally
Treat your loved ones to Valentine's dinner at local restaurants, that uses ingredients produced and grown by local farmers to reduce the carbon footprint of transporting them to your plate. Nothing tastes better than fresh, locally-sourced ingredients!

Get sustainable, eco-friendly gifts
Now more than ever, there are various options of products that are sustainable, using eco-friendly materials or creating social and environmental impact to choose from. Choose gifts that do good, and help save our environment.