February entails a holiday centered around love and affection: Valentine’s Day. In the midst of purchasing flowers, chocolates, and gifts, people fail to recognize the amount of waste their gifts contribute to. Let’s take a moment to love and extend that love not only to our cherished ones but also to our environment and home.
According to Valentine’sDayExcess, around 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold for Valentine’s Day in the United States. Many stores and businesses use these boxes, plastic covers, and trays, adding to harmful waste. Also, an immense amount of paper waste comes from Valentine’s cards production, leading to deforestation and habitat degradation.
Lakewood is an environmentally mindful city with many sustainability clubs, programs, and jobs such as H2O, composting opportunities like the Rust Belt Riders, and Keep Lakewood Beautiful. Mother, teacher, and zero-waste lifestyle enthusiast Anne Cudnik has some tips and tricks for getting into the recyclable spirit.
“You have to be intentional about making new habits,” Cudnik said. “When sustainability goals are second nature, holidays shopping and celebrating have less of an environmental impact.”
Making an effort can be difficult, but it only gets easier. To build a cleaner and more sustainable life, you have to take the first jump.
Couples around the world are getting ready to celebrate valentines—embracing the day of love and meaningful relationships; let’s create a meaningful impact, too. High school senior Jane Wagle and her girlfriend Elizabeth have been in a relationship for over two years, and they share special Valentine’s plans for each other.
“I like giving flowers and chocolates, but I also like giving things that are more meaningful or personal,” Wagle said. “I try to give practical gifts that can be used every day.”
Even just intentionally giving gifts with longer lifespans is a step in the right direction.
Colorado.edu says that US citizens buy 36 million heart-shaped boxes, 180 million cards, 198
million roses, 881 thousand bottles of sparkling wine, and 58 million pounds of chocolate on Valentine’s Day. Excessive waste like this can be avoided, and there are many alternatives.
“Upcycle objects that might end up in the trash into Valentine’s gifts and decorations,” Cudnik said. “Google or Pinterest or social media I’m sure has lots of content on this. Also, instead of cut flowers, gift a houseplant. Make sure your chocolate is fair trade and ethically sourced.”
Making handmade gifts such as cards, candles, or even blankets is a loving idea.
While it’s essential for individuals to make an effort, we must recognize that businesses and restaurants contribute heavily to waste. Single-use plastics, excess packaging, and throwaway decorations are incredibly harmful to the environment. However, with the right education and intentions, businesses can make an immense change in shaping a greener Valentine’s Day.
Although many businesses only contribute to the excess garbage and destructive materials, stores can prioritize sustainability by cleaning up in an eco-friendly manner. Beloved ice cream and candy shop Malley’s takes advantage of these practices. Malley’s employee Eileen has witnessed firsthand the efforts made.
“Anything left over after Valentine’s we sell half-price,” Eileen says. “[We] recycle all the cardboard and packing materials.”
Businesses can be like Malley’s in taking the first step towards an environmentally friendly holiday.
It is not always easy—mass production in stores can create situations where there may be a surplus of holiday snacks, items, and decorations. Shelf life only lasts so long, and if these items are not sold by a certain point, they could be thrown away. This surplus waste is often exacerbated by the need for additional packaging, impacting the environment negatively.
One step at a time, we can change these habits and create a cleaner Earth for ourselves and future generations. One person’s actions can inspire many others, so never give up. While you enjoy the company of your loved one this Valentine’s Day, consider celebrating in a more meaningful and impactful way by welcoming environmentally conscious choices.
