Valentine’s Day, the Sustainable Way!

Since Valentine’s Day is coming up, here are some tips we could, and really should all try towards leading this day of showing love more sustainably! But before I mention some tips, I will say that I believe it is important to show love to people every day not just on this one day. P.S this day doesn’t need to always be of materialistic value, but rather our time and what we choose to do with it, for one another is what counts!

So, without further ado here are some Valentine’s Day or every day tips, on how you could show love and appreciation in the best kind of ways:

• If you are the kind of person who is keen on trying new things out, how about making a home-cooked meal, either with that special someone or for them, however in saying this try to make the best efforts to shop for your ingredients in the most ethical way possible. Ways in which you could do so, are by supporting zero waste stores, fresh produce markets, etc. In doing so you will minimize your carbon footprint by significant amounts, as this will reduce your amount of not just food waste, and plastic waste, but also CO2 as you could go on a walk together to purchase those ingredients, and or you could also cycle together making this not just a meal to make together but also an outing adventure. If, however you are not necessarily the adventurous type and would rather go out for that meal, then consider how you are going to get to this location for your meal as well as the restaurant you are going to, by ensuring they source all their products ethically. They can do this, by supporting local farmers in all forms of produce they grow both sustainably yet organically as well as minimizing the journey that, that produce has travelled from farm to table.

• On the other hand, if you want to show your love and appreciation in a materialistic kind of way, reach out to some small businesses that make ethical bespoke gifts. They will then work with you to create something memorable! For example, you could check out a cute little small business called Flower Confectioner on Instagram, they do quite a few things, though one that you could reach out to them for, is crafting your special someone their favourite flower, be it a whole bouquet or even just one flower, they will then use actual edible ingredients like: wafer paper or sugar paste to create this. The intention of why they create gifts in this way is not actually to be eaten, but rather, it is to create a completely part compostable and part recyclable gift that is preserved in either a glass and cork display or a glass wooden dome display, you choose!

• Lastly, if you are more of a speak from your heart kind of person, why not check out "Songfinch", I recently came about this company and love the intention of them collating some of your memories to personally write a whole song for that special someone.

Anyway, these are just a few tips to mention however, the list is endless, and if you let your imagination take you there you too can create whatever you'd like in the most sustainable way possible, all it takes is a little bit of intentional time, some planning and perhaps a bit of research in understanding how to lessen your carbon footprint whilst loving on all, as well as show our planet some love in the process too!

Happy Valentine's Day to all! Spread some love, not just on this day but every day, and make your little love-filled mark in the world small bits at a time!

Casey xx