Eco-Valentine’s: 14 Ways to Love the Earth

Learn while you earn!

Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love and appreciation for those who matter most to us. But why not also extend that love to our planet? It’s the perfect occasion to show the Earth some extra care. Here are 14 sustainable tips for a more eco-conscious Valentine’s Day:

  1. Give Eco-Friendly Gifts: Choose gifts that are long-lasting and kind to the environment. Opt for something that won’t contribute to waste, like reusable items or sustainably made products. 

  2. Make Homemade Organic Snacks: Instead of buying store-bought chocolates, why not make homemade treats with organic ingredients? It’s a sweet and personal gesture that also supports healthier choices.

  3. Skip the Flowers – Give a Potted Plant: While flowers are beautiful, they tend to fade quickly. A potted plant, on the other hand, can thrive for much longer and makes for a lovely, lasting gift. 
  4. Give an Experience, Not a Thing: Consider gifting an experience, like a nature tour or a picnic in the park, instead of material items. It’s a way to create memories together while reducing waste.  
  5. Use Sustainable Packaging: Wrap your gifts in eco-friendly materials, like reusable fabric or recyclable paper. By choosing sustainable packaging, you reduce waste and show you care for the planet. 
  6. Start Composting: Instead of sending food scraps to a landfill, start composting. It’s an easy way to reduce waste and enrich the soil, creating a healthier environment for plants to grow.
  7. Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of the amount of food you prepare and find ways to use leftovers. Reducing food waste helps lessen the environmental impact of production and disposal. 
  8. Support Eco-Conscious Businesses: Shop from brands that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices. By supporting businesses that care for the environment, you help foster a greener future. 
  9. Avoid Themed Gifts and Decorations: Skip disposable decorations and gifts that are used once and discarded. Opt for reusable items or experiences that don’t harm the environment.
  10. Go Paperless: Sign up for paperless billing and digital communications. By cutting down on paper usage, you’re helping to save trees and reduce waste. 
  11. Create a Recycling Bin at Home: Make recycling easy by setting up separate bins for paper, plastic, and glass. Properly sorting waste ensures that materials are reused instead of ending up in landfills. 
  12. Donate to Environmental Organizations: A thoughtful way to show love this Valentine’s Day is by donating to environmental groups working hard to preserve our planet. You can also lend a hand by volunteering your time. 
  13. Use Less Plastic: Make a conscious effort to reduce plastic consumption by using reusable shopping bags and water bottles. Choose alternatives to single-use plastics to help reduce pollution. 
  14. Plant a Tree: Trees are essential for our environment, absorbing carbon and releasing oxygen. Consider planting a tree this Valentine’s Day, or even better, make it a yearly tradition. 

This Valentine’s Day, let’s spread love to each other and to the Earth that sustains us. By making small, sustainable changes, we can show appreciation for the planet we call home.

By Kenya James, WePlanet Ambassador