Guide to a Sustainable Valentine’s Day 2021
It is expected that Americans will spend about $27.4 billion this Valentine’s day, an average of $196.31 each. That’s 7 billion more than last year’s $20.7 billion spent, an average of $161.96 each.
Guide to a Sustainable Valentine’s Day. Image Source: Fairtrade America
We know that Valentine’s day is a consumer-driven holiday, with shelves filling up with irresistible goodies at the store. You yourself may be planning to get chocolates, cards, toys, flowers, or jewelry for your partner, spouse, kids, co-workers, or even pets. If you are choosing to give gifts this year, skip the traditional ones and choose more environmentally conscious presents instead. Below are 4 ways to gift sustainably this Valentine’s day:
Use Less Paper
Skip paper cards and use e-cards instead. Create your own if you are design savvy or use a website’s easy pre-made templates. If you prefer to give handwritten cards, use recycled paper or make a card from paper scraps. Additionally, if you are planning to wrap your gift consider using eco-friendly options. Use a scarf, old newspaper, or even organic cotton tea towels to wrap your presents. Check out Eco Cult’s eco-friendly gift wrap ideas HERE.
Think Organic and Fair Trade
Whether it is flowers, chocolates, coffee, or organic cotton tote bags wholesale, consider buying them Fair Trade Certified. When you purchase products that are Fair Trade certified, you are contributing to the well-being of the farmers and workers. Thinking about cooking a nice meal? Get locally grown organic and seasonal ingredients at your local farmer’s market. You can find 10 Fair Trade Chocolate Companies HERE and 15 Coffee Brands HERE. Additionally, you can find farmer’s markets near you HERE.
Gift an Experience - Not Things
If you are having a dilemma on what to get for your loved ones, consider gifting an experience. You can take them for a picnic, on a trip to the nearest National Park. Take a dancing, yoga or cooking class together. Go see a show, concert or theatre performance near you instead of staying in. Your gift is sure to be remembered!
Think Outside of the Box
If your loved ones aren’t a fan of presents, consider adopting a park or an animal in their names. Bake their favorite treats. You can also donate to their favorite charity. If they love plants, get them one or go even further by planting a tree in their name.
Don’t forget – when giving gifts to your loved ones, give the gift in something they’ll reuse again and again, like custom reusable tote shopping bags.
