Showing someone you love them shouldn\u2019t cost the earth! If you want to give traditional cards and gifts, how about considering some of these more sustainable ideas?<\/p>
1. Valentine\u2019s Card<\/strong> 2. <\/span>Chocolate<\/strong> 3. Flowers<\/strong><\/p> Another classic gift. You don\u2019t need me to tell you that, here in the UK, there aren\u2019t many flowers growing at this time of year! The majority of shop-bought flowers have been imported. Daffodils are in season. Maybe not the most classically romantic, but still beautiful. Try and find some not wrapped in film it\u2019s worth having a look around as shops do vary. I found some simply bunched with an elastic band (which I can, at least, reuse) in my local greengrocers. To make them a more appealing present you could wrap them in paper, maybe you already have some pretty paper in your house. You could use children\u2019s art work, a couple of pages from a magazine or re-use some gift wrap.<\/p> 4. Make a gift<\/strong><\/p> The possibilities are endless! I'm thinking perhaps I might make some heart-shaped cookies this year (I already have the cookie cutters so should be able to make them with my kitchen cupboard ingredients). Now, if you know me, you will know baking is not my strongest skill! However, my children are e<\/span>nthusiastic bakers so, by helping them, I have picked up a few tips. I have a very simple biscuit recipe that the children have used and is delicious so maybe it's time to dust off my apron! Cookies might not be a traditional option but my kids are quite into the idea of Valentine's Day so they could also receive one of these as a gift.<\/p>
Probably the easiest tip is to make sure the card you buy does not come packaged in plastic film. Shop around if you need to but think about the packaging as well as the sentiment when choosing your card. I have the perfect option to show love both to your special person and our precious planet with my new 'Love Me, Love Our Planet' card<\/u><\/a>. Shipped in sustainable, eco-friendly paper packaging which is rip-proof and splash-proof and designed with the environment in mind.<\/p>
A classic Valentine\u2019s gift. How about looking out for Fairtrade chocolate and again be mindful of packaging. One option is bars of ethical chocolate wrapped in paper and foil. I really like <\/span>Tony's Chocolonely. If you're looking for boxes of chocolate or Valentine themed gifts, I'd recommend Chococo. All their packaging is plastic-free, they have a great plant-based range and if you have a shop near to you, empty selection boxes can be brought back for refilling (you also get a 10% discount).<\/p>