If you have plans to be romantic this Valentine’s Day – don’t forget to show some love to planet earth. It is possible to show your loved ones how much you care, but in a way that doesn’t create extra waste.
We’ve got some tips for you on how to go low waste and sustainable for Valentine’s Day.
Gift Giving
If you are a last-minute shopper, it can be cutthroat in that Valentine’s Day aisle at the store as people clamor to grab whatever pink or red goodies that they can. Skip that hassle and provide unique, sustainable gifts for your loved ones this year.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Avoid novelty gifts – Those Valentine’s Day themed gifts may look flashy, but will people use them after the holiday, or will most of them be tossed in the trash or hidden away in a closet for the rest of the year? Try to buy gifts for your loved ones that they can use all year round.
- Plants instead of flowers – While a nice bouquet is pretty, a houseplant or succulent is a gift that can be enjoyed for much longer. Not to mention the benefit of the air purification it brings.
- Homemade gifts – crafting a loving gift can really mean a lot to someone special in your life, whether it’s through a handmade project or baked goods. A love poem or song can also be a meaningful gift on Valentine’s Day.
- Thrifted Gifts/Antiques – Vintage jewelry or an antique with personal significance to your loved one can make a huge impact on their heart. Used books, records, and memorabilia can also add a special touch to your Valentine’s Day. By giving something old a new life, you’re not only diverting it from the landfill, but you are giving a great gift to someone you care about.
- Experiences – one Valentine’s Day date that wouldn’t even require wrapping paper is an experience! These create very little waste but can go a long way toward bringing a smile to your loved one’s face. Theater tickets, art classes, horseback riding, and more, the possibilities are endless.
Kids Valentine’s
Kids in elementary school still love to exchange Valentine’s cards every year, but those sparkly, and sometimes foil-covered pieces of paper and cardboard can be tricky when it comes to recycling. Try some alternatives instead!
- Paper Hearts – Have your kids cut paper hearts out of paper and make their own Valentine’s! These are more recycling-friendly.
- Wildflower Seed Packets – Seed packets are inexpensive and can be used to plant beautiful flowers in your community. Try adding a note that says “you keep growing on me,” or something similar.
- Birdseed – craft paper bags of birdseed with paper instructions are a great gift for your kids’ Valentine’s. Not only do they get to give a gift, but their friends do too when they share it with the birds.
Wrapping
As always, you want to avoid foils and glitters in your wrapping paper and cards in order to make them more acceptable for the recycling bin.
Don’t forget you can use wrapping alternatives, such as:
- Baskets – Fill up a reusable basket with Valentine’s goodies that they can later use for storage.
- Canvas totes – Your loved one will get a nice gift inside something they can carry books or groceries in.
- Mason jars – Candy looks beautiful inside a glass jar, which can later be recycled or used as a drinking glass.
Just a simple change in your mindset this Valentine’s Day can help you celebrate in a way that not only the people you care for will love, but the environment will too.
For more information about recycling, visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LenaweeRecycle/.