Simple ideas for a Sustainable Valentines Day.
Here’s the thing. I’ve never brought my partner of nearly 7 years a Valentines Day card….
Does that make me some kind of Valentines Day scrooge? Is there a version of that?….. But neither has he brought me one and it’s not because we are now locked into some kind of heated “well he didn’t so I won’t” battle but it’s just that I don’t really like them.
Having to make up a little poem or a soppy note to declare my love has never really been my thing despite being a writer.
Once we then become conscious about consumerism and waste it gave us an even better excuse not to partake in the whole debacle.
Having said that I’m really looking forward to Valentines Day this year because it will be a Friday night, we will have all the children home, we can have a lovely meal together and perhaps watch a movie. Plus neither of us are working the next day, (doesn’t happen often) we can make some real time together without worrying about packing a bag for tomorrow, putting a wash on, or being anywhere early in the morning.
Had we not had a chance to do this I started thinking, what could a couple that don’t ‘do’ Valentines Day do to feel loved while still being those low waste, conscious consumers.
So here’s 10 ideas for your ethical Valentines Day.
Pin me for later….
1 . Buy seasonal, local flowers.
This one is easy at this time of the year if you like me live in Britain, because there are Daffodils and Tulips everywhere you look. Maybe even in your own garden. You don’t need to spend a ton of money on Roses that are air freighted in. The UK has so many breeds of its own. Picking flowers and tying them up beautifully yourself means you put time and energy into it.
If you do however really want to send something special Organic Bouquets do some beautiful ethical, British flowers to order.
2 . Cook them their favorite meal.
The way to my heart every time.
3. Book them in for a treatment.
The way to my heart every time after the I’ve eaten my favorite meal.
4. Book in to a Restaurant not on Valentines Day.
Over priced and normally a set menu on the day itself. Book a night out when you can really go somewhere you enjoy.
5. Put them in the car and don’t tell them where your going.
This is exciting even if your just going to the park with a flask of coffee. It makes a simple day out exciting.
6. Pack a picnic.
It might be cold at this time of year in Britain but there is something about being in the outdoors. Just wrap up warm, bring a waterproof mat to sit on, make a flask of hot tea/coffee/hot coco and go and sit at the park/beach/woods. Make the picnic a treat. Cheese, biscuits and chutneys is a favorite in our house. So is taking a little camping stove and making fresh bacon sarnies.
7. Send them a card in the post.
I know I said I don’t like doing the card thing but if you are going to do it send their card in the mail. Even if you live together, who doesn’t like getting a card through the door. They will wake up thinking you forgot and then BAM the postman turns up.
8. Go for a county walk.
A county walk and a pub lunch afterwards (sorry if your reading this from a county that doesn’t have pubs but if your British you’ll know) is a great and romantic way to spend any day. Make sure you take a flask of something hot for a pit stop.
I don’t know what it is about hot drinks but it makes any walk seem more special. Perhaps its because you’ve thought ahead and then purposefully look for the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the view.
9. Run your partner a bath.
Make sure you find the perfect zero waste treat to pop in it to make it special and indulgent. For Christmas Mat went to our local zero waste shop where they will fill up an old jar with lovely smelly’s and salts for the prettiest bath ever. If your don’t have a zero waste store near you head to you local Lush store for some yummy bath bombs.
10. Tell them you love them everyday.
It doesn’t have to be Valentines Day to do all of these. The everyday “love yous,” running them a bath and cooking a lovely meal are what create the basis for a good relationship, if Valentines Day helps to remind you of this then it can only be a good thing, but even better pledge to do it more often.
Much love to everyone on what can be a lonely day of the year for some and to those with some one special hug them a little tighter on February 14th.
Yours, as always
Hannah xxx