Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to think about those special gifts for the special person in your life. But if you’re looking for something more earth-friendly than flowers or candy to show your love, we’ve got some ideas for you.
Skip the Flowers
If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual bouquet of flowers, this year, why not opt for a potted plant that will bloom in the spirit of romance for years to come. Their new houseplant will no doubt receive the proper care all year round, and you can marvel at how healthy it is every time you visit.
Compost Your Flowers or Plant Them
If you do end up receiving flowers, composting is a great way to reduce waste. Composting flowers is easy and can be done at home. What’s more, the nutrients in the flowers will help improve soil quality.
It’s also easy to do at home, even if you’re not exactly the avid gardener. If your yard or balcony isn’t big enough for an outdoor compost bin, no worries — you can make your own indoor “earth box” with just a few basic supplies.
For Valentine’s Day this year, instead of tossing out your lovely bouquet after a week Alternatively you can dry the flowers and preserve them, here are 5 methods for drying flowers.
Wrap Gifts in Fabric Scraps or Vintage Paper
You can help the environment by wrapping your gifts in fabrics, textiles and other materials that you already have. Use scraps of old clothes or fabric and turn them into gift wrappings. If you have any vintage paper or maps that are no longer needed, they can be used as well. You could also use old magazines, books and calendars to wrap up presents for your loved ones this year. Not only does this help minimise waste, but it’s a thoughtful and creative way to deliver your gift to that special someone.
Make a Conscious Choice to Get Sustainable Jewellery
The term ‘sustainable jewellery’ refers to pieces that are made from materials that are renewable, recyclable and ethically sourced. Sustainable jewellery helps contribute to a more eco-friendly world as it helps to reduce waste and pollution in the environment, as well as providing fair wages for the people who make your jewels.
This can mean the use of recycled metals, such as gold and silver, or it could mean using recycled plastics, glass or paper. Some jewellers even use old jewellery pieces that have been broken or worn down over time to create new pieces that would otherwise be thrown away into landfill.
Buy (or make!) handmade Cards and Gifts
Buying gifts that you can make yourself or with your loved one is a great way to embrace sustainable values. These handmade cards and gifts will allow you to show your loved one how much they mean to you, while also doing something good for the environment.
Handmade cards and gifts are more personal than store-bought ones and can help create a bond between those who share them. They are also unique, meaning they won’t be found anywhere else other than on your person or in their possession.
Give Gift Cards to a Sustainable Retailer
Gift cards are a great way to give gifts when you’re stumped for unique ideas on V-Day. They’re easy to buy and easy to give (even electronically to reduce paper waste!). Have a good look at the terms and conditions to make sure the gift card is able to be used exactly where you expect it to be used. . Plus, you can choose to give a gift card from a local retailer and help support local businesses by keeping your money in your community.
Opt for an Experience Instead of a Material Gift
For many of us, the gift of quality time means so much more than any material gift could, and that’s why looking to spoil your loved one with an experience is a winning decision.
Whether it be a romantic beach picnic or a hot air balloon experience, there are loads of options available to show your loved one how much you care. Use this Valentine’s Day to show not only how much you love your significant other, but the planet, too.
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Any representations, views or opinions contained in this article are those of The Latch and do not reflect those of and are not endorsed by Suncorp Bank.
