THE GREEN GUIDE TO VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day – a day filled with romance and red roses. But pause for a moment and look to nature and you’ll quickly realise that roses simply aren’t growing in the UK in February. Which begs the question – where do they all come from?

The reality is that, thanks to our climate, most Valentine’s roses are flown in from warmer countries such as Ecuador, Kenya or Colombia, or grown in vast heated greenhouses in the Netherlands. To keep them looking perfect, they’re sprayed with pesticides and transported in giant refrigerated units, with around eight million stems arriving at UK airports each February alone.

Add to that the rising cost of chocolate, often with little improvement in quality or ethical standards, and the last-minute buying of stuffed bears and novelty gifts, and suddenly Valentine’s Day doesn’t seem so romantic.

But romance doesn’t have to come with a high environmental cost. With a few thoughtful swaps and a shift away from the ‘norm’, it’s possible to celebrate love in a way that feels more personal, more memorable and much more sustainable.

Here are a few swaps.

FLOWERS

After a cold few months, hibernation is over, and flowers are starting to bloom. So instead of roses, why not try seasonal, British-grown bouquets? Check for Soil Association or B Corp certification to ensure ethical and environmental standards.

Retailers such as Abel & Cole and Bloom & Wild offer beautiful seasonal bouquets, including organic options.

You could also think outside of a bunch of flowers – a potted plant, seeds, herbs for cooking together, or a tiny indoor tree that grows with your love are gifts that last much longer than cut flowers.

CARDS

Just like any celebration, it is lovely to receive a card from a loved one. But many are glittery, plastic-coated and impossible to recycle. Cards made from recycled paper are a better option, while a handwritten note or letter is even more special and something your loved one can treasure for years.

Seed cards are another fun idea, such as those from The Seed Card Company. Plant them in the garden and watch your Valentine literally grow.

GIFTS

When it comes to gifts, consider experiences rather than things. A homemade meal, a class, a day trip or theatre tickets create memories rather than waste. Personal touches, such as a playlist, a scrapbook of favourite moments or a framed photo from a holiday, can be incredibly romantic.

If you do buy a gift, second-hand or vintage jewellery, books, or clothing, add character and keep items in circulation.

Or, seeing as we are all living such busy lives, why not gift your loved one an evening of relaxation, filled with soothing scents, bath salts and treats for a good night’s sleep? Sweet Bee Organics have some fantastic ideas.

CHOCOLATE

Climate change is affecting cocoa production; rising temperatures and heavy rains are causing unpredictable yields and higher prices.

Some companies have reduced the amount of cocoa in their products to below the threshold required to legally be called chocolate. Instead, they are labelled ‘chocolate flavoured’ and contain vegetable oils to keep production costs down. However, they are often sold at the same price, and at this time of year, are marketed for Valentine’s Day and sold at a premium. So it’s worth checking labels and ingredients carefully.

For the same cost, you can choose high-quality chocolate that supports farmers, the environment and tastes much better. Look for Fairtrade-certified brands, or ethical chocolatiers such as Tony’s Chocolonely or Cocoa Loco, many of which offer delicious Valentine’s collections.

At its core, Valentine’s Day is about thoughtfulness. By choosing gifts and gestures with care, you’re not just showing your loved ones that you care, but the planet too.