Valentine’s Day is well on its way, but let’s not let this holiday go to waste.
I can’t tell you how many people have told me how much they hate Valentine’s Day. From it representing ‘single awareness day’ to the consumerism of it all, people have grown tired of this holiday. But to me, it represents a time to express love.
Love is, and must, be at the core of the sustainability movement.
Valentine’s day can be a great reminder that we have first express love ourselves and those around us before we can even think about taking care of the people and planet.
So despite what you think of this holiday, let’s take this time to celebrate love.
Ways to Love Yourself
pc: Rupi Kaur
On a night that can viciously remind you of your singleness or how you can’t be with you lover the night of, take this time to show yourself some love by:
Having a Self Care night: This means something different to everyone. But do what ‘sparks joy’ in your life, and it doesn’t matter if that also includes a face mask and wine. Do you!
Buying yourself something nice: This is a night to TREAT YO’ SELF and get yourself your own valentine’s present like:
Plants or flowers
Go on a social media detox: I promise you your entire Instagram feed will be flooded with couples posts and it can be a little stressful to watch (also soorrryyyy if that will be me haha). Take a step back from social media for one night, I promise you wont regret it :-)
Ways to love your friends
pc: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Don’t forget your day ones and the people who surround your life with so much joy. Take this time to appreciate and love them by:
Hosting a Palentine’s Day party: I’m actually doing this this year and I’m super excited about it. I’m framing it as a Paletine’s day I can have both my gals and pals over. It’s going to be so much fun and I’m taking note to make my party as sustainable as I can.
Writing notes to them: Whether its on a eco-friendly (even plantable!) or a DIY Valentine’s Day cards, hand writing appreciation cards to your buddies will mean so much to them.
Give them a call: If you’re in a time crunch or have long-distance friendships, a phone call will be a quick and easy way to let people know how much they mean to you.
Ways to love your lover
pc: Unknown
Though people like to hate on couple’s on this holiday, you shouldn’t have to feel shame to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your lover. Feel free to be all mushy gushy with each other (and ignore the haters!) by:
Going on a low waste date: From walking over to the nearest park to supporting a local business, there are so many ways to enjoy fun times with your partner while also keepin the planet and people in mind. Let’s admit, sustainable dates are hot 🔥.
Have lovely sustainable night ;-) : If you’re looking to have an extra fun night with your partner (wink, wink ;-) ) there are multiple sustainable sex brands that will support you for that and keep the planet in mind. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Buy them an ethical gift: This is one of the most intimidating parts of Valentine’s Day, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few ethical gift guides to help you the find the perfect thing for your lover this V-Day:
Last-Minute, Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Friends and Lovers by Trash is For Tossers
Ethical Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her- Under $25 by Thrifts and Tangles
9 Sweet & Sustainable Valentine's Day Gifts For Him by the Good trade
12 Conscious Valentine’s Day Gifts Helping Us Celebrate Love by the Good Trade
*Note that any of these can be applied to any category and all that matters is that we get to celebrate love just a little bit more this month :-)
What will you do this Valentine’s Day?
How will you express love?
Let me know!
