Valentine’s Day is all about love—love for your partner, your friends, yourself, and of course, the planet! But did you know that Valentine’s Day generates an estimated 145 million greeting cards each year, contributing to deforestation and unnecessary waste? Alongside this, millions of pounds of plastic packaging from chocolates and gifts pile up, and single-use decorations and flower arrangements create heaps of waste. This year, let’s ditch the plastic packaging, wasteful trinkets, and mass-produced chocolates in favor of a more thoughtful, sustainable gift. Whether you’re planning a romantic night, a self-care evening, or looking for the perfect sustainable gift, we have eco-friendly Valentine's day gift ideas you will love!
Sustainable Valentine Gifts That Show You Care
A meaningful sustainable gift doesn’t have to come wrapped in plastic or end up in a landfill. Instead, opt for items that are reusable, natural, and long-lasting. These sustainable Valentine gifts help reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability, making them better for the environment. Here are some of our picks for a perfect sustainable gift:
Self-Care in a Jar: Put together a luxurious, plastic-free self-care set with the Mermaid Mask for a skin-refreshing treat, a Konjac Sponge for gentle exfoliation, and a Marley’s Monsters Bamboo Washcloth for the perfect finishing touch.
Sustainable Chocolate: Swap out conventional, mass-produced chocolates for ethically sourced, fair-trade options like Tony’s Chocolonely. They’re better for farmers and taste amazing, too! My favorite is the dark almond sea salt. Yum!
DIY Love Coupons: Give experiences instead of things! Handwrite your coupons on recycled paper or create a digital version to keep it waste-free. Offer things like a homemade dinner, a nature walk, or a cozy movie night with hot cocoa.
A Romantic Plant-Based Dinner for Two
What’s more romantic than cooking a delicious, sustainable meal together? A plant-based menu not only reduces your carbon footprint but also makes for a wholesome and delicious Valentine’s Day treat. Last year, I made this vibrant Vegan Pink Pasta with a simple spinach, cucumber, and tomato salad drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette, and it was absolutely delicious! The salad complemented the creamy pasta perfectly, adding a fresh and crisp contrast. Here’s the simple but elegant Valentine's dinner menu you can try:
Side Salad: Pair your pasta with a light, refreshing salad of fresh spinach, cucumber, and ripe tomatoes. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette (I love a homemade balsamic), and you've got a fresh, balanced meal!
Main Course: Vegan Beet Pasta by @benrebuck This vibrant pink pasta is a perfect Valentine’s Day dish, featuring a creamy, beet-based sauce that’s both delicious and full of nutrients. Roasted beets are blended with cashews, garlic, lemon juice, and silken tofu, creating a velvety sauce that's as smooth as it is rich in flavor. Toss it with your favorite pasta, then finish with fresh herbs and toasted nuts for added texture and a burst of flavor. Get the full recipe on Instagram @benrebuck
How to Plan a Zero-Waste Valentine’s Day Date
Planning a romantic outing without leaving a trail of waste is easier than you think! Instead of disposable decorations and single-use plastics, opt for experiences that are both memorable and sustainable. Pack a picnic with reusable utensils, cloth napkins, and a homemade meal using organic ingredients. If you prefer a cozy night in, cook a local, organic meal together and serve it with a bottle of sustainably produced wine. Whatever you choose, the key is to keep it a simple, meaningful sustainable gift, and kind to the planet.
Conscious Consumerism: How to Show Love Without Harming the Planet
Valentine’s Day can sometimes feel overly commercialized, but you don’t have to buy into that! You can still celebrate meaningfully without the environmental impact. Last weekend, my partner and I had an amazing experience at Groundworks Art Lab in Boulder, CO. We took a printmaking class together, and it was such a fun and unique way to spend time together! Not only did we create our own pieces of art, but it was an opportunity to support a local studio.
Sustainable Self-Care: Treat Yourself to a Spa Night
Who says Valentine’s Day is just for couples? Treat yourself to an indulgent, eco-friendly self-care routine that leaves you glowing from the inside out.
Cleanse & Exfoliate: Start with the Masa and Olive Face Paste by Fat and the Moon for a nourishing cleanse, followed by the Konjac Sponge for gentle exfoliation.
Fat and the Moon Masa and Olive Face Paste
$18.00
Glow Up Say hello to smoother, brighter skin with Fat and the Moon Masa and Olive Face Paste! Crafted with natural ingredients like finely ground masa flour and nourishing olive oil, this scrub gently exfoliates while hydrating your skin. Plus,… read more
Konjac Facial Sponge
$6.00
Meet Your New Skincare Essential Discover the power of natural skincare with the Konjac Facial Sponge, crafted from 100% pure konjac root. This plant-based gem is fully biodegradable and compostable, making it an eco-friendly alternative to plastic loofahs. Its soft,… read more
Hydrate & Revitalize: Apply the Fat and the Moon Face Oil to lock in moisture and pair it with a Facial Roller for a relaxing face massage.
Fat and the Moon Face Oil
$24.00
Glow Naturally Give your skin the care it deserves with Fat and the Moon Face Oil. This exceptional blend of jojoba, rosehip, and argan oils provides deep hydration and nourishment, without the use of parabens or synthetic chemicals. Ideal for… read more
Facial Roller
$18.00
Enhance Your Skincare Ritual Upgrade your skincare routine with the Facial Roller, available in elegant rose quartz, jade, or opal. Made from responsibly sourced materials, this tool caters to all skin types and reflects a dedication to eco-friendly products. Thoughtful… read more
Finishing Touch: Use Reusable Facial Rounds for cleansing and removing any residue, then nourish your skin with Yay for Earth Body Oil for a silky-smooth finish.
Yay For Earth Body Oil
$52.00
Introducing your new go-to for gorgeous skin Available from our zero waste store, Yay For Earth Golden Body Oil is a lightweight, non-greasy natural body oil packed with a soothing blend of ingredients. Perfect for anyone seeking eco-friendly body oil… read more
Celebrating with Your Canine Valentine
Valentine’s Day isn't just for humans—our furry friends deserve extra love too! You can treat your canine valentine to a day filled with fun, affection, and eco-friendly goodies. Here are some ideas for celebrating with your pup:
Eco-Friendly Pet Toys: Show your dog some love with a new sustainable dog toy. Consider something natural and durable like the Dharma Dog Wool Stick Toy. Made from felted wool, these toys are eco-friendly and great for playtime, especially for pups who love to chase and chew.
Dharma Dog Stick Toy
$12.00
The Eco-Friendly Chew & Fetch Dog Toy Your Pup Will Love! Looking for a safe and durable wool dog toy? Meet the Dharma Dog Stick Toy! Made from natural, eco-friendly products, this plastic-free dog toy is perfect for chewing and… read more
Homemade Dog Treats: Skip the store-bought treats that come wrapped in plastic and opt for homemade, healthy dog treats. You can make simple treats using organic ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin. Not only will your dog love them, but you’ll also be reducing waste and ensuring a nutritious snack.
A Special Walk or Hike: If your pup loves the outdoors, why not treat them to a scenic hike or a leisurely walk? Whether you explore a nearby park or venture into nature, spending time outdoors is a perfect way to spend time with your furry friend while reducing your environmental impact.
Sustainable Dog Accessories: If your dog needs a new collar, leash, or bed, consider upgrading to eco-friendly options. Look for eco dog products made from sustainable materials like hemp, organic cotton, or recycled fabrics that are both stylish and planet-friendly.
Celebrate Love, Sustainably
Valentine’s Day is a time to cherish your loved ones, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise the well-being of the planet. By making mindful choices—choosing sustainable gifts, cooking a plant-based meal, and embracing ethical self-care—you can celebrate love in a way that’s just as kind to the Earth as it is to the people and dogs in your life.
Looking for the perfect sustainable gift for Valentine's Day? Explore our sustainable store at Mudd House Mercantile, your one-stop zero waste shop, and celebrate love—without the waste! 💚
How are you celebrating sustainably this Valentine’s Day?