A Low-Waste Valentine’s Day
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Valentine’s Day is a lovely opportunity to celebrate love and connection, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. With a few mindful choices, you can mark the day in a way that feels meaningful while staying on a low-waste mission.
How to have a low-waste Valentine's Day?
One simple shift is choosing thoughtful experiences over material gifts. Instead of buying something physical, consider sharing an experience that creates lasting memories without creating waste. A romantic walk, a homemade candlelit dinner, or a visit to a local art exhibition can be far more memorable than anything wrapped in plastic.
Another easy win is to rethink cards and messages. Traditional Valentine’s cards often have a very short life before ending up in the bin. Digital e-cards are a waste-free option, or you could choose cards made from recycled paper. Better still, make your own using materials you already have at home—it adds a personal touch and avoids unnecessary waste.
It’s also worth rethinking flowers. While beautiful, cut flowers don’t last long and are often wrapped in plastic. A potted plant is a longer-lasting alternative, or you might decide to skip flowers altogether in favour of something more sustainable.
Finally, once you’ve reduced waste as much as possible, remember to recycle and compost what you can. Many Valentine’s items, such as paper cards and wrapping (as long as they’re not glittery or metallic), clean takeaway containers, glass bottles, and plastic sweet or chocolate tubs, can be recycled at home. Avoid items like balloons, teddy bears, and plastic wrapping, which are difficult or impossible to recycle. Food scraps and flowers can often be composted, helping return nutrients to the soil.
A low-waste Valentine’s Day isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making small, thoughtful choices that show care for both the people you love and the planet you share.