Sustainable Valentine’s Gift Ideas to Put Mother Earth First This Year

Sustainability gets forgotten every Valentine’s Day. This year, try to have a more sustainable day with more sustainable gifts. 

Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes

We’ll be the first to admit that Valentine’s Day has always felt a bit commercial. The Christmas decorations we’re too quickly removed and everywhere you look is now covered with pink and red, hearts, and puckered lips. 

It just kind of feels like we’re all being told we HAVE to spend money on someone. It’s a day to delicately skate around if you’re newly dating someone (or don’t know where you stand), a day to be miserable if you’re single (which you shouldn’t be), and a day for companies to post sales and rake in money. 

So one day we decided we needed to find the positive side of Valentine’s Day which we ended up doing as we looked into how to have a more Sustainable Valentine’s Day.

Read on to learn more about the ugly side of Valentine’s Day and our recommendations for turning this wasteful day into a sustainable one! 

Skip ahead to go to our Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gift Recommendations

The Impact of Valentine's Day: Think Again Before Grabbing That Bouquet of Roses

One of the first gifts you probably associate with Valentine’s Day are flowers, specifically Roses. And while you could be thinking that flowers are fairly harmless when it comes to gifting you might want to read on. 

Pink and red roses

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

The majority of Roses sold in the United States are actually imported from Latin American countries — specifically Colombia and Ecuador, according to this great Vox article

In the weeks prior to Valentine’s Day, no less than 60 planes are flying into the U.S. everyday carrying only flowers. They then get transported to their retail destinations via refrigerated trucks where they’ll go to a consumer (best case scenario), be enjoyed for a few days, and then dumped in the trash where they rot in a landfill and produce CO2 emissions. 

And that’s just the flowers. 

The Environmental Impact of Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day isn’t any different from any of the other holidays which generally creates an increase in trash, waste, and emissions. From Waste360, we learn that during Valentine's Day: 

36 Million Heart-Shaped Boxes Are Purchased 

Over 1 Million Trees Are Cut Down Each Year To Make 180 Million Valentine’s Day Cards

198 Million Roses Are Gifted

18,000 Metric Tons Of CO2 Is Generated To Produce And Ship Valentine Roses To The U.S. Each Year

881,000 Bottles Of Sparkling Wine Are Consumed

58 Million Pounds Of Chocolate Are Eaten

Consumption On Valentine’s Day In The U.S. Generates Enough Carbon Emissions To Drive Around The World 3,993 Times!

How We Decided To Have A More Sustainable Valentine’s Day

So rather than be bummed, annoyed, or even angry every February, we started thinking about how we could change the narrative and create a more sustainable Valentine’s Day. 

1. We Took Back Our Perception of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s gifts are weird to buy and weird to receive because we’re being fed this narrative that we HAVE to. So we changed the narrative to “we get to”. We get to hang out with our Significant Other today. We get to treat our S.O. today. We get a day to pause our busy schedules and take time to say we love and appreciate those closest to us. The same goes for close friends and even yourself! 

2. We Increased the Sustainability 
Page of an open book folded into a heart shape

Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash

As hard as it is, we had to look away from the candy sales, the teddy bears, the roses, the perfect Instagram posts of the perfect couples, and focus on what really mattered. How could we reduce our waste and impact on the planet during this particular holiday? 

A Few Out Of The Box Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gift Alternative Ideas Include: 

Email

Send an email instead of buying a paper card/paper valentine’s.

Shop Local

Plan ahead and shop local artisans including farmer’s markets and local greenhouses for in-season flowers! 

Do Something Nice

If your S.O.’s love language is Acts of Kindness, try cleaning the house while letting them relax.

DIY

Bake a Valentine’s Day gift instead of buying

Give Back

Plant a tree or purchase carbon offsets for your eco-friendly loved one

Set the Mood

Use items around the house to set the mood for a cozy night in

Stay In

Cook a vegan meal instead of going out to a fancy steakhouse and spending tons of $$

Gift Card

No waste, no mess and the receiver gets to pick out something they really want or need

Alternative Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gifts 

This year try a sustainable Valentine’s Day gift that protects our planet and gives back to it. Should you still want to give a gift, we got you! 

Shop our entire Valentine’s Day Collection here or read on for sustainable Valentine’s Day gift ideas. 

Zero Waste Store Gift Card
Zero Waste Store Gift Card

Zero Waste Virtual Gift Card

The easiest for you, the best for the planet, and the most meaningful for the receiver. 

From ZeroWasteStore from $10.00—$500.00)

Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free, Jade or Rose Quartz

Give the gift of self-care via a centuries old tool made from Jade or Quartz. 

From ZeroWasteStore Essentials starting at $20.00
Sunday Standard Sunday Standard Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free
Zero Waste Store Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free, Jade or Rose Quartz
Zero Waste Store Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free, Jade or Rose Quartz
Zero Waste Store Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free, Jade or Rose Quartz
Zero Waste Store Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free, Jade or Rose Quartz
Sunday Standard Sunday Standard Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free
Sunday Standard Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool
Sunday Standard Sunday Standard Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free
Sunday Standard Sunday Standard Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free
Zero Waste Store Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free, Jade or Rose Quartz
Zero Waste Store Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free, Jade or Rose Quartz
Zero Waste Store Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free, Jade or Rose Quartz
Zero Waste Store Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free, Jade or Rose Quartz
Sunday Standard Sunday Standard Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free
Sunday Standard Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool
Sunday Standard Sunday Standard Rose Quartz Gua Sha Facial Tool - Zero Waste Skincare, Plastic Free
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Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
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Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
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Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Duo - 12 Scents Options, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
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Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
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Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
Suds & Co. Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Bundle - 12 Scents, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller
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Shampoo & Conditioner Bar Duo - 12 Scents Options, Vegan, SLS Free, #1 Best Seller

For the person who’s been meaning to give them a try or anyone trying to be more sustainable — these #1 best-selling bars are a great gift! 

From Suds & Co for $27.98
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Aloe Lotion - Zero Waste Face Moisturizer, All Natural, Plastic Free

Treat your loved one to the perfect all natural moisturizer. Available in 2 or 6 oz it’s easy to keep anywhere it’s needed! 

From Fat & The Moon for $20-$60
Fat and the Moon All Cream - Zero Waste Face Moisturizer, All Natural, Plastic Free, 2-6 oz.
Fat and the Moon All Cream - Zero Waste Face Moisturizer, All Natural, Plastic Free, 2-6 oz.
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Made by Minga Medium / Honey Leather Wallet
Made by Minga Medium / Chocolate Leather Wallet
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Made by Minga Small / Chocolate Leather Wallet

Leather Wallet - Sustainable Wallet, Handmade, Vegetable Tanned Leather, Multiple Colors

It can be hard to find a great wallet let alone a sustainable one! This perfect leather wallet is handmade from local artisans who are fairly compensated for their work and talent. 

From Made by Minga for $48.00

Lip Therapy Balm - Zero Waste Lip Balm, Plastic Free, Organic, Multiple Flavors

For the person who always loses their chapstick and/or needs one in every area of their life, these plastic-free, organic, compostable balms are ready to put in the work. 

From Blue Heron for $8.00 indiv/$15 duo
Blue Heron Botanicals Lip Therapy Balm - Zero Waste Lip Balm, Vegan Chapstick, Organic, Plastic Free
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Blue Heron Botanicals Tinted Lip Ruby Red Grapefruit Lip Therapy Balm
Blue Heron Botanicals Healing Lip Lavender Lemon Lip Therapy Balm
Blue Heron Botanicals Unflavored Lip Therapy Balm - Zero Waste Lip Balm, Plastic Free, Organic, Multiple Flavors
Blue Heron Botanicals Strawberry Watermelon Lip Therapy Balm - Zero Waste Lip Balm, Plastic Free, Organic, Multiple Flavors
Blue Heron Botanicals Lip Therapy Balm - Zero Waste Lip Balm, Vegan Chapstick, Organic, Plastic Free
Blue Heron Botanicals Lip Therapy Balm
Blue Heron Botanicals Lip Therapy Balm
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Blue Heron Botanicals Blue Heron Botanicals Lip Therapy Balm - 10 Varieties - Vegan Chapstick, Organic, Plastic Free
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Blue Heron Botanicals Citrus Duo Lip Therapy Balm
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Blue Heron Botanicals Vegan Coastal Berry Lip Therapy Balm
Blue Heron Botanicals Vegan Lip Pacific Peppermint Lip Therapy Balm
Blue Heron Botanicals Organic Lip Cali Orange Lip Therapy Balm
Blue Heron Botanicals Organic Lip Pacific Mint Lip Therapy Balm
Blue Heron Botanicals Tinted Lip Ruby Red Grapefruit Lip Therapy Balm
Blue Heron Botanicals Healing Lip Lavender Lemon Lip Therapy Balm
Blue Heron Botanicals Unflavored Lip Therapy Balm - Zero Waste Lip Balm, Plastic Free, Organic, Multiple Flavors
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BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
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BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
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BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - All Natural, Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
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BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
BetterBone Classic Beef - Large All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone Classic Beef - Small All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone Classic - Large All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone Classic - Small All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - All Natural, Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
BetterBone Small All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - All Natural, Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone Chew
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - All Natural, Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone Medium Beef - Large All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
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BetterBone Medium - Large All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free
BetterBone Medium - Small All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free

All Natural Dog Bone - Eco Friendly Dog Toy - Non-Splintering, Nylon Free

Made from sustainably sourced wood fiber and plant-based oil this chew toy is non-splintering and a great alternative to plastic chew toys. 

From Betterbone for $25.00
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So yes, we will be running a sale this Valentine’s Day but not because we’re some greedy corporation, but because we’re a small business who chose to see the good that exists every Valentine’s Day.  

We want to show you our appreciation, and help create a more sustainable Valentine’s Day for everyone.

SHOP THE VALENTINE'S COLLECTION

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