Say "I love you" without it costing the Earth, literally.
A dozen Red Roses might be the traditional gift for Valentine's Day, so popular the UK actually imports around 570 tonnes of roses each February. These often come from Kenya via The Netherlands racking up some serious airmiles! Just one bunch of Red Roses can result in in a carbon footprint of 32kg of CO2 per bouquet, this isn't just from transport though, we often forget about the energy, water & pesticides needed to grow these flowers.
So why not think outside the box this year, reduce your carbon footprint whilst surprising & impressing your loved ones.
If you're looking for jewellery, consider sustainable silver. Tumble & Rose offers timeless pieces which are also gift wrapped in recycled packaging. Each item is carefully handmade so you know its full of love too.
If like me, chocolate is the key to their heart, try finding your local zero waste store. They'll likely have loose chocolate buttons you can buy by weight or sustainable brands like Tony's in stock. Alternatively seek out a local artisan chocolatier or bakery and support a small business. Favourites local to me are Lemon & Jinja Refill Shop & Café or MW Cakes & Bakes.
How about a new date night outfit? Instead of a one hit wonder, invest in a beautiful dress you can jazz up for a special night out or tone down for an everyday look. Magical dresses you'll enjoy over and over. Made by SJP make clothing from upcycled duvets & curtains, giving fabrics new purpose & saving them from landfill. Each item is unique so you can guarantee to stand out from the crowd and avoid a fashion faux pas!
Of course, I'd still encourage you pair any of these gift ideas with flowers for your loved ones! Instead of Red Roses, consider Tulips instead, a much more seasonal & sustainable option. The tulips I used in my Valentine's flower are grown in Lincolnshire with other seasonal flowers in my mixed bouquets from Cornwall. A small bunch of flowers grown and sold in the UK produces just 1.7kg of CO2 – a total of 95 per cent less carbon emissions than those grown abroad. Plus I now deliver all my flowers in my new fully electric van so no need to worry about additional emissions from that.
Hopefully this has given you some new idea for sustainable valentine's gifts. I'd love to hear if you've got other suggestions too!
If you'd like a bunch of British Grown Tulips for your lover, bestie or just to treat yourself, be sure to get you order in by Thursday 9th Feb!
Comentários