Use reusable items
Opt for reusable items such as cloth napkins, glassware, and reusable bags. This helps eliminate waste and cut down on single-use items. Our snack bags make the perfect candy bags if you ask me and you can fill them at our fav, Chickpeace Zero Waste
Give eco-friendly gifts
Consider giving gifts that are sustainable, eco-friendly and bonus points for local! Gift ideas we love include: potted plants (who doesn't want another plant?), 3D printed home goods (check out The Rogerie, another local company 3D printing pretty awesome stuff, or some locally made skincare products, bathbombs, body butter etc.. sharing another local favourite here, because I'm obsessed.. Hemptation Skin Care. Wrap these super thoughtful gifts in one of our upcycled fabric produce bags and it's a double whammy, gift wrap and another gift ;)
Choose local, organic food
Support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint by choosing locally grown, organic food for your Valentine's Day meal. Did you know in Kelowna, the Kelowna Farmer's Market is still rocking every Saturday at Parkinson Rec Centre?!
Go for a walk instead of a drive
Bundle up, fill up your reusable mug with some hot chocolate and head out for a late night stroll - Clear night? Catch a stunning view of the winter stars. Snowing? Catch snowflakes on your tongue. When was the last time you did that? Pure joy!
Flowers
This is a tricky one because I have so many wonderful florist friends and I grow cut flowers myself in the summer. Flowers are a popular gift for Valentine's Day, but grocery store flowers are often grown using harmful pesticides and have a high carbon footprint. If you're going to give flowers, opt for locally grown if possible, or give a potted plant in a thrifted planter. Kelowna, we have a new plant shop, Plant Gather. I haven't had the chance to check out yet, but have heard great things about it!
I've also recently started propagating my pothos and spider plants and finding super cute thrifted planters to put them into.. cheap and sustainable!
Choose sustainable candles
Planning a candle lit dinner? Opt for eco friendly candles. You want to avoid paraffin and palm wax (did you know when you burn paraffin wax, you're actually emitting carbon into the air in your home?! YUCK). Opt for sustainably sourced beeswax, or soy candles!
By taking action with these simple tips, you can celebrate Valentine's Day while reducing your impact on the environment. Happy eco-friendly Valentine's Day!