7 Ways to Have a Zero Waste Valentine’s Day
Zero Waste Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day means many things to many people – my husband essentially refuses to celebrate what he calls a “Hallmark Holiday” while some people go all out Cupid! I prefer to take a moderate approach where I see Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to care for myself and those around me.
Unfortunately, there is often waste that goes along with so many of our celebrations and Valentine’s Day is no exception: stuffies that will sit on a shelf, plastic-wrapped chocolate and flowers, cards made of new paper material, and wrapping paper, to name a few. In light of this, we’re sharing a few Valentine’s Day ideas to celebrate your loved ones without the waste!
Zero Waste Valentine’s Fun!
1. Baking and sharing cookies:
Whether you’re the world’s best baker, or someone who burns everything you cook, baking and decorating cookies can be a fun task to do with kids or friends, or even just to eat on your own! I don’t find that I have a lot of time to bake and clean up from baking these days, so I’ve been enjoying Susgrainable products – just add a few items to the pre-made mix, bake them up, and share!
2. Make red-coloured meals or treats:
Consider treating someone to a red themed meal – red heart-shaped pancakes, red fruits and veggies, spaghetti bolognese, or maybe these fun frozen raspberry treats!
3. Tell your loved ones why you love them:
I saw someone post an amazing idea that I think I’m going to do this year – posting heart-shaped notes on my kids’ doors to let them know what I love about them!
4. Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt?
Find 14 different scavenger hunt ideas at this link and start planning a fun and challenging Valentine’s activity for your loved ones. Though the article references hunts for children, there are some great ideas that could be adapted for anyone!
5. Valentine’s Day self care:
In a previous post we shared recipes for some simple and budget-friendly DIY spa products. Why not treat yourself, or a group of friends, to home spa night?
6. Did you know that it’s not too early to start your garden this year?
This post shares a couple of options for some seeds that can be planted now! Instead of giving flowers possibly wrapped in plastic packaging, why not consider the gift of seeds that you can plant together?
7. Go to a favourite place:
I was recently reminded of all of the time my husband and I used to spend at our favourite brunch place doing crossword puzzles together. It’s such a little thing but we so enjoyed each other’s company that it is a lovely memory. Maybe there’s a place that means a lot to you, and if so you may consider revisiting it this Valentine’s Day!
How do you keep your Valentine’s Day zero waste?
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16 Comments
Jodie | That Happy Reader
I love all these ideas Alison! I generally bake cookies to celebrate the day but you’ve given me some inspiration to do something new. Thanks for sharing.
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thanks Jodie! 🙂
One can never go wrong with cookies 😉
Her Digital Coffee
These are all wonderful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without the waste! Spending time with loved ones is so special and meaningful, which is what the day of love is all about. Thank you for sharing!
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thank you! 🙂 I agree. Spending time together is really what celebrations are about <3
Vourneen
I love this post! So many great ways to keep Valentines Day sustainable. Its about spending time with your loved ones and that gets forgotten about sometimes. I think cookies are a great gift for Valentines Day.
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thanks so much Vourneen! 🙂
thewanderingkellers
Great post. I agree we all buy too much stiff without a lot of purpose or meaning.
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thank you 🙂
Penny
Love these all ideas so much! We can celebrate important days without wasting our planet! Thank you so much for sharing them x Penny / whatdidshetype.com
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thank you Penny! 🙂
JoJo Hall
I love these cute and simple sustainable ideas for Valentine’s Day! My boyfriend and I usually go out to eat.
A Sustainably Simple Life
Going out to eat is a fun treat! 🙂
Paul (Paul Passing Through)
Good insights and lovely ideas for better ways to spend Valentines Day. I’m totally with your husband, though haha
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thank you Paul! 🙂
Karalee
These are all fantastic suggestions of reducing waste around Valentine’s Day. Yes receiving gifts is nice, but there is so much plastic waste & it would be better to share an activity together such as baking, cooking, or gardening like you suggested.
A Sustainably Simple Life
Thanks Karalee! 🙂