Valentine’s Day is great and all, but the waste? Not so much. Between plastic-wrapped chocolates, mass-produced greeting cards, and flowers that fly halfway across the world before landing on your table, the day of love can leave a pretty unromantic carbon footprint. But don’t worry—being green doesn’t mean being boring. Here’s some eco-friendly ways to celebrate a sustainable Valentine’s Day this year.
A Brief Love Story
Valentine’s Day didn’t always mean candlelit dinners and overpriced bouquets. Back in ancient Rome, mid-February was all about Lupercalia—a fertility festival that involved animal sacrifices and men running through the streets whipping women with goat hides (yes, really). Thankfully, times changed. By the 14th century, poets like Chaucer turned February 14 into a day of romance, and the Victorians took it up a notch with lace-filled love letters and chocolates in fancy boxes.
Fast forward to today, and we’re left with a $27 billion industry of roses, glittery cards, and stuffed bears that nobody asked for. But love doesn’t have to come wrapped in plastic. Here’s how to celebrate Valentine’s Day a little greener this year.
Ditch The Cliché Gifts
We’ve all seen them—oversized teddy bears, heart-shaped jewelry, and mass-produced greeting cards that lack originality. Instead of falling for commercialised, cookie-cutter gifts, opt for something more meaningful and eco-friendly. Try gifting an experience, like a pottery-making class, a homemade candle, or even a donation to a conservation charity in your partner’s name. If you’re set on a physical gift, go for something handmade, locally crafted, or second-hand—because nothing says thoughtful like a present with a story behind it.
Love Letters Over Store-Bought Cards
Remember when people actually wrote love notes? Let’s bring it back. There’s something undeniably special about a handwritten love letter—way more personal than a mass-produced card with a generic message. This Valentine’s Day, skip the store-bought options and put pen to paper. Expressing your feelings in your own words makes for a heartfelt keepsake your partner can cherish forever. Want to go the extra sustainable Valentine’s Day mile? Use recycled, handmade, or plantable paper that can grow into wildflowers or herbs. If you’re feeling artistic, decorate your letter with pressed flowers or sketches. No card off a store shelf can compete against something crafted with love.
Chocolate, But Make It Ethical
Chocolate is a non must for some people on Valentine’s Day (obviously, it’s delicious), but not all chocolate bars are created equal. Unfortunately, most mass-produced chocolate comes with a side of deforestation and unfair labor practices. Instead, look for Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance Certified chocolate. Canada has some great sustainable brands, like Camino and Hummingbird Chocolate. Better yet? DIY some chocolate-dipped strawberries using locally sourced goodies for extra sustainable Valentine’s Day bonus points.
Flowers That Don’t Fly First Class
Fact: Millions of flowers sold in Canada on Valentine’s Day are flown in from South America, leaving behind a hefty carbon footprint. Instead of roses with a passport, go for locally grown flowers from a Canadian greenhouse, a dried flower bouquet, or even a potted plant (because nothing says long-term love like something that actually lasts).
Stay In For A Zero-Waste Feast
Cook up a homemade, zero-waste dinner using local ingredients. Need inspo? Try a plant-based charcuterie board, featuring Canadian cheeses, homemade crackers, and preserves from your local farmers’ market. Support local vineyards from Niagara, Okanagan, or Prince Edward County instead of imported bottles and set the mood sustainably using beeswax candles, cloth napkins, and reusable dinnerware.
Date Ideas That Don’t Scream “Consumerism”
- Take A Hike—Literally Whether it’s Banff, Algonquin, or just a local trail, nothing says romance like fresh air and no Wi-Fi.
- Skate Into Their Heart Outdoor skating rinks + hot cocoa = the perfect February date.
- A Night Under The Stars Rent a cabin for a romantic getaway filled with stargazing, a crackling fire and a local wine or cider.
- DIY “Apres-Ski” Date (No Skiing Required) Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, create a cozy après-ski vibe at home with fleece blankets, a fireplace (or YouTube fireplace), spiked hot toddies, and a charcuterie board featuring local cheeses.
- Film Festival At Home Pick a theme, grab some homemade popcorn, and turn your living room into a mini film fest.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s make love more sustainable and less wasteful. Because nothing says forever like showing the planet a little love, too.
The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional environmental or sustainability advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, sustainability practices and product certifications may change over time. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult local sources for the most eco-friendly options available in their area. Additionally, some statistics and claims may be based on available research at the time of writing and are subject to change.
