Valentine’s Day is a time to show love and affection to the special people in our lives, but it’s also an opportunity to show love for our planet. The earth is our home, and it’s important to take care of it not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day. In my Sustainable Christmas Gift Guides, I shared some fabulously stylish and sustainable trainers and clothing.
For this special Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gifts blog, I thought I’d share some ways that we can show our love for the planet, save money, and still treat our loved ones, this Valentine’s Day.
And, as a special treat, two sustainable and ethical brands are giving away some fabulous Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gifts that you can win by simply reading this blog and completing a few actions (more details later in the blog).
Give the Gift of Sustainability
Instead of buying your special other a traditional gift, consider something that’s eco-friendly. You can splash out on a reusable water bottle, pick up a bamboo toothbrush, or a set of cloth napkins. Collectively, these small changes can make an impact on the environment and if you want to show your loved one that you care about the planet, why not invest in a Marine Conservation Society Tote Bag? Not only will it help you cut down on plastic bags, but it will also help support the work of the Marine Conservation Society.
Plan a Romantic Hike or Picnic
Instead of going out to a restaurant (although I did love our visit to Six by Nicho this weekend), plan a romantic hike or picnic in nature. Not only will you be spending time in the great outdoors (read my blog on connecting with nature), but you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint if you cycle there or take the train.
In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you’ll also be keeping active and if you are tracking steps walked or miles cycled using an Apple watch, then the first of our Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gifts could be ideal for you.
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and thanks to the good people at the Watch Strap Company, I have a stunning Diamond Edition Stainless Steel Rose Gold Apple Watch Strap.
Yes, it does actually have a diamond set into the strap. And as this blog is focused on ethical and sustainable goods, it’s important and reassuring to learn that the WSC diamonds conflict free and are ethically sourced from, and created by, socially and environmentally responsible labs. Before being set by hand, the in-house UK team of Master Jewellers at WSC meticulously inspect every stone under extreme magnification to ensure that exacting standards have been met and to ensure maximum brilliance and are beautifully flawless (VVS+).
And you can win this stunning watch strap. Competition details are at the bottom of the blog.
Plant a Tree or Start a Garden
If you really want to cut down on the carbon footprint of your meals, why not make Valentine’s Day the day to start a new tradition of planting a tree or starting a garden together. Not only will this be a fun and meaningful activity, but it will also have a positive impact on the environment by helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Starting a vegetable garden can be a fun and rewarding way to grow your own food and reduce your environmental footprint.
To help you get started on your a vegetable garden, I’ve provided some great resources below:
The Old Farmer’s Almanac: This website offers a wide range of gardening advice, including a section on vegetable gardening that covers topics such as soil preparation, planting, and care.
The National Gardening Association: This organization provides a wealth of information on vegetable gardening, including planting guides, care instructions, and tips for dealing with pests and diseases.
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension: This organization offers a variety of resources on vegetable gardening, including a guide to starting a vegetable garden, a planting calendar, and a list of recommended vegetables for different regions.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Valentine’s Day is a great time to start reducing your energy consumption together. Turn off lights when you leave a room. Spend more time together in the same room, add some romantic candles (ok, maybe the energy crisis isn’t quite this bad…so far), unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and consider investing in energy-efficient appliances.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 10% of a home’s energy use, and standby power (the power used by electronics when they’re turned off but still plugged in) accounts for about 5% of a home’s energy use. By turning off lights and unplugging electronics when they’re not in use, you can reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bill. It’s maybe because I’m Scottish (and a Dad) but I love nothing more than turning off lights. Saving the planet and saving pennies. What’s not to love?
Support Eco-friendly and Ethical Businesses
Show your love for the planet by supporting eco-friendly and ethical businesses. This can include buying products from companies that use sustainable materials, or who have ethical recruitment or production values; or eating at restaurants that use locally sourced and organic ingredients. Wahaca restaurants are recognised for their ethical practices and I’ve been a fan of their Mexican food for years. It’s made for sharing and perfect date food.
And Valentine’s is the perfect excuse to snuggle up to your loved one (especially if your loved one is a Scottish dad who has turned off the heating).
And what better way to snuggle than in a cosy Brand Threads organic and sustainable Winnie the Pooh pyjama set? For 20 years, Brand Threads have been delivering beloved, and officially licensed, character based clothing to childed and adults.
Brand Threads is a family-owned business that sources Organic Cotton and Better Cotton for its clothing, which possesses sustainable benefits and properties from farm to product. Plus, all fleece robes and onesies are made using recycled polyester – reducing the dependence on petroleum, landfill, and soil contamination.
Fun fact: it takes around 22 recycled plastic bottles to make one of Brand Threads’ robes! And if that is not enough to make you fall in love with these adorable robes and pyjamas, Brand Threads also plant a tree with every item bought online.
Win Some Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gifts
And you can win a set of organic Winnie pyjamas. I have one set, size Large, to give away to one lucky reader. To have a chance to win this and the Watch Strap Company Apple watchstrap, all you have to take part in my Gleam competition below.
Sustainable Valentine’s Day Competition
As someone who has been a part of the problem for most of my life, I’ve decided that it is time to do something positive. To use what I’ve learned in various roles to help leave a healthier planet for the generations to come. You’ve helped me and others keep active with your support. Now. I’m hoping that you’ll help me keep our oceans clean of plastic as I launch One Sky Collaborative.
So this Valentine’s Day, let’s show our love for the planet and make it a sustainable celebration. Together, we can make a difference. And good luck with the Sustainable St Valentine’s Day Gifts competition.