Show that special someone and the planet how much you love them by ditching plastic and unsustainable gifts for these eco-friendly alternatives
Chocolate
My personal favourite when it comes to valentines day! But did you know your sweet treat might have a disturbing secret? According to Frank at Frankly Delicious chocolate, there’s over 1.5 million children working illegally on cocoa farms. Big companies have known about this issue for years and have yet to make any real changes and most are unable to tell you exactly where their cocoa comes from.
Change your chocolate and the world with ethical companies such as Frankly Delicious. Frank, its owner and founder, has gone from chocolatier to chocolate maker ensuring fully traceable cocoa supplies.
This year they have introduced the amazing dragon fruit infused white chocolate heart for Valentines Day. With the taste just as amazing as the bright colour you are sure for a chocolate experience like no other.
Jewellery
Did you know that precious metals such as silver have a huge environmental impact? From unethical labour through to pollution, your sparkly accessories might just have gloomy origins.
I was lucky enough to meet Natalie, the owner, founder and creative silversmith behind Milly and Tilly. Their jewellery collection is made from 100% recycled silver, sea glass and beach pottery from Britain’s beaches.
Check out their exclusive valentines collection and my personal favourite, mini pebble stud earrings to bring that subtle classic something extra to your everyday wardrobe.
Flowers
Despite their beauty, the floristry industry has an ugly truth including child labour, insufficient wages, sexual harassment and exposure to harmful pesticides that then runs off into our water supply.
You could opt for flowers that have been grown under sustainable and ethical conditions however, the truth is they will begin to fade within a few days. So why not choose a longer lasting house plant?
As well as bringing green and nature indoors, certain types of plant have additional benefits such as purifying the air and even help to reduce stress.
Treat your loved one to a Mind, Body and Soil subscription box complete with a specially selected plant for your home and a box of themed treats.
My latest box included a beautiful Ficus plant (Freddie the Ficus) in its own eco friendly plant pot with a box based around my other true love, coffee. Coffee beans, chocolate and a circular co reusable coffee cup – what more do you need?
Gift Sets
Perfect for a cosy night in to enjoy by yourself or with a special someone, the Econsider ‘Little Box of Love’ Valentines Day Gift Box is the perfect pamper set featuring a selection of gorgeous pure, natural goodies made with carefully selected essential oils such as Ylang-Ylang, Grapefruit, Bergamot and Patchouli.
Candles and wax melts
With the growing popularity of wax melts its important to remember that soy wax isn’t as eco friendly and sustainable as you might think. The use of soy wax is responsible for deforestation in parts of the world as well as increased levels of greenhouse gases from soy production.
Scentessentials has started to change their candle and wax melt collection to use coconut wax to reduce their environmental impact. Using 100% essential oils in their products, the high quality allows for an incredible scent throw.
Relax with their ‘Unwind’ Candle made with coconut wax and a blend of cedarwood, clove, orange and lemon, the perfect partner for a night on the sofa with a romantic movie.
Cards
As much as £1.7 Billion has been spent on greeting cards in the UK with valentines day one of the biggest card buying times of the year.
Send you secret admirer an eco friendly alternative this year with BeeEcoFriendly. Their valentines collection is made from plantable paper so not only do you get a card, you can grow wildflowers!
Throw it in the garden, not in the (recycling) bin for a valentines gift that your garden, bees and butterflies will love.
Experiences
Looking for something a little different this year?
Make memories and crafts without the plastic with an eco friendly craft box kit from Craft Box Club.
From painting to stitching, weaving to candle making, set a new tradition and get creative!
Subscribe or get a one-off box HERE
Make a donation
Not all donations have to be monetary, and what better time than valentines day to have a heart-to-heart and talk to your loved ones about organ donation.
Each donor can help save 9 lives.
Make sure your wishes are registered on the NHS Organ Donation website.