Plastic Free Valentine's
With the day of romance just around the corner, we urge you to think about your plastic (and wider environmental) impact this year on Valentine’s Day.
Of course Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about romantic love, it’s also a great day to appreciate family and friends, or to spare a thought (or a gift, or a couple of hours) for neighbours who might not have so many people around.
What NOT to gift:
Balloons
If you are one for flourishes and extroverted celebrations, don’t be tempted by balloons. We love tissue paper pom-poms. Easy to make, beautiful and recyclable. There’s also paper heart wall hanging garlands as an alternative.
Plastic wrapped flowers
We all know the type… the last minute dash to grab something nice. Why not take 20 minutes outdoors on a footpath or wild area near you and make a hedgerow bouquet instead? Tie with garden twine, or pop in a jam jar – a lot more thoughtful and heartfelt than the plastic-stifled version. Or head to your local florists and ask for no plastic packaging. Try one of our Plastic Free Champions Smallridges in Barnstaple, or head to Twigs in Pilton and Teasels in Braunton to support our local businesses who offer plastic-free wrapped flowers.
Plastic covered chocolates
Valentines chocolate purchasing often leads to excessive plastic packaging. Opt for cardboard and foil packaging over elaborated packaged items. Fair Trade Divine are always a great option for and are stocked in many independent stores in North Devon. Even if you are making it a quick stop at a large supermarket chain, there are ever more plastic-free chocolate options available, so opt for those and make sure that you’re on it with the recycling afterwards.
Jewellery without a story
Of course jewellery taste is specific to each person, but we think that even with this you can vote with your feet in terms of where you purchase from. We love the ocean-inspired pieces by Nalu Beads, the incredible unique pieces by Croyde Sea Glass, the understated and minimal Wanderlustlife or the ethical, handmade pieces from Katherine Barber. All are made by locally by experts of their trade. Buy local, support local, and purchase a piece with a story.
Extra ideas for Eco-Friendly gifting:
Little Bit of Luxury
Thinking luxurious bath and body products? We love Bloomtown for their plastic and palm-oil free soak salts, body oils face masks, and North Devon Soap for their organic plastic-free vegan soap bars.
Candle-Lit Loveliness
A simple addition to a space that can make a room feel cosy, gifting a candle can be the perfect gesture of romance. There are some made right here in North Devon, and plenty available without plastic in shops.
Shared Meal
It might be with your significant other, your sister, your best mate or a neighbour across the road who is short on company. Sharing a home–cooked meal can be so full of joy. We’d even encourage you to consider the carbon impact and make it a veggie, vegan, or locally sourced, one this year.
Winter walks
Take time with each other and with the outdoors. Make a time to walk by the sea or the fields, in the stunning countryside that surrounds us. Pledge to switch off phones and take time to just be with each other. We know that there’s all manner of gorgeous gift ideas in this blog, but really there is nothing more important than time together. You can always sneak in a handy #2minutelitterpick on your adventure, or stop for a moment on the journey to Love Your Layby.
Make Your Love Wide
So many supermarkets have got collection points for local food banks at this time of year. If you can, pop a couple of extra tins in your shopping basket, and drop them into the food bank collection at the end of your shop. Love doesn’t have to be squished down into that of the couply-type this valentine’s day.