Valentine’s Day

Every year, on February 14th, millions of people celebrate Valentine’s Day. This holiday commemorates romance and love, often shown through gifts like cards, flowers, and chocolates. However, many of these traditional gifts have significant environmental impacts, including carbon emissions from flower imports, plastic waste from packaging, and deforestation from paper products. 

Environmental impacts 

When you think of Valentine’s Day, what flower comes to mind? You’re probably thinking of a rose. Valentine’s Day has the highest percentage of flowers purchased per holiday in the US, making up 30% of total purchases. Approximately 80% of flowers are imported from other countries to the US, primarily from Ecuador and Colombia, where they are grown using high amounts of water, pesticides, and fertilizers. The transportation process alone results in a large carbon footprint, with flowers being shipped thousands of miles in refrigerated cargo planes. Once they arrive, they are wrapped in plastic and often discarded within a week.  

Similarly, the chocolate industry contributes to deforestation and exploitative labor practices, especially in regions like West Africa, where cacao farming has been linked to habitat destruction and unethical working conditions. Mass-produced chocolates are often wrapped in excessive plastic and foil, much of which is non-recyclable.  

Greeting cards also add to the waste problem. Every year, an estimated 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged, many of which end up in landfills. Cards with glitter, foil, or plastic embellishments cannot be recycled, further increasing environmental harm.  

While these traditions bring joy, they also come with hidden ecological costs. By making more sustainable choices, we can still celebrate love while reducing our impact on the planet, with sustainable alternatives.  

Sustainable alternatives  

Locally sourced or potted plants instead of imported flowers: instead of cut flowers that wither in days, consider gifting a full plant that can thrive for years. A potted plant allows your loved one to enjoy its blooms season after season. Look for native plants that support pollinators or easy-to-care-for houseplants from local nurseries.  

Fair-trade, organic chocolates to support sustainable agriculture: many conventional chocolates contribute to deforestation, exploitative labor, and unsustainable farming. Opt for fair-trade, organic chocolates that support ethical farming and biodiversity. Check out local shops or visit farmer’s markets for artisanal, sustainably sourced treats. 

DIY or digital cards instead of mass-produced paper ones: store-bought Valentine’s Day cards often end up in the trash, contributing to paper waste. Creating your own card—whether hand-drawn, painted, or written on recycled materials—adds a personal and thoughtful touch. If you’re short on time, a digital card or heartfelt video message can be just as meaningful. Making your own card is not just a gift, but an experience in itself!  

Experiences over things — consider a nature walk, homemade dinner, or volunteering together: instead of buying material gifts, focus on experiences that create lasting memories. A cooking class together can be fun and interactive, a walk through a nearby park allows you to connect with nature, and volunteering with a local environmental group is a meaningful way to give back. Florida has plenty of options, from coastal cleanups to community gardens—check local conservation groups for opportunities.

Ethical and upcycled gifts like second-hand books, handmade jewelry, or thrifted treasures: instead of buying new, find a creative way to repurpose or upcycle items. For example, you could turn an old item into a unique decoration, design a custom book cover for their favorite read, or sculpt cute charms from clay. Handmade gifts show extra effort and can be a fun new skill to explore together.   

By making more sustainable choices, we can reduce waste, lower emissions, and support ethical businesses. A little mindfulness can make Valentine’s Day just as special, without the environmental cost!  

Information from History.com, Utah State University, Society of American Florists, and the Earth Island Institute. Cover image by Casey Lewis (CC BY-NC 2.0). All other images from Canva.