12. POTTED FLOWERS

Flowers are a Valentine’s go-to. However, every Valentine’s Day, billions of flowers are not only picked, but transported internationally, both of which are big sustainable no-no’s. So, instead, why not gift them (or yourself) potted flowers? Not only will you avoid any flowers from being picked, but they’ll last much, much longer than a bouquet that’ll soon go brown. You can even compare this long-lasting life to that of your relationship if you’re as cheesy as we are. You’re welcome.

11. COOK A VEGAN MEAL OR CAKE

You can either do this one together as a fun, bonding activity, or you can do it yourself and have it ready to surprise your significant other.

Here are some great vegan Valentine’s treats recipes:
Fluffy Japanese Pancakes
Nut Butter, Coconut, Strawberry, Blueberry Crêpes
Pink Pancakes
Peanut Butter Strawberry Shortcake
Heart-Shaped Churros
Red Velvet Cake
Lady-and-the-Tramp-Style Tomato Walnut Basil Pasta

10. HAVE A PICNIC AT HOME

Picnics are great; they’re intimate, less expensive than dining out, more meaningful, and more original. During a winter/pandemic combo, however, it would likely be much less comfortable. So, behold indoor picnics! Set up some cushions on the floor, and you’re in for a treat.

9. RECYCLED WRAPPING MATERIALS

If you choose to gift your partner something physical, rather than an experience, make sure to upcycle materials such as newspaper or “junk” mail for the wrapping. For a sweeter touch, wrap the gift in a scarf or a blanket, and let the wrapping itself be a second gift!

8. BIODYNAMIC WINE

In wine, Biodynamism is a sustainable technique in which the farm itself is seen as a living organism, made up of plants, animals, soil and people. All ingredients within the ecosystem are organic and locally sourced, and the patterns carried out imitate those of the lunar cycle. All the natural waste that comes from the “organism” is composted to provide even richer soil for the grapes. Thus, it is a perfectly circular winemaking process.

We spoke to sommeliers in upstate New York, where this method is practiced, and they granted us with a list of 6 of their absolute favorite biodynamic wines (all within the $18 - $40 price range).
- Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos Bierzo 2018: 100% Mencia from Galicia, fabulous great value from one of the first biodynamic producers in Spain. Prominent in wine Biodynamism.
- Zarate Albariño Rias Baixas 2019: Albariño
- Thierry Richoux Cremant de Bourgogne NV: Sparkling wine from Northern Burgundy
- Paitin Langhe Nebbiolo Starda 2019: Declassified Barbaresco, aged for a year - outstanding Italian value.
- Montepeloso A Quo Rosso 2018: Rich Tuscan blend
- Lapalu Beaujolais Villages Vieilles Vignes 2019: Rich, southern Beaujolais

Find out more about them and their processes here: polanerselections.com

7. LUSH PRODUCTS

Lush has a huge collection of beautiful, vegan, package-free, ethical cosmetics while also donating to social and environmental causes (umm… could it get any better?)

Head to LushUSA.com for for everything ranging from massage bars to foundation, in all the delicious colors scents, and textures you could dream of.

6. PLANT A TREE AND MAKE IT THEIRS

Buying your sweetheart a star and naming it after them is so yesteryear. Instead, head to Treedom or to the National Forest Foundation to have a tree planted for them and make it theirs.

5. ADOPT AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL FROM AFAR

You always hear about domestic animals who need a home. But less often do we hear about how we can personally help endangered species from disappearing. Give your partner the gift of saving a species by adopting an animal from afar. BONUS - represent their newly adopted pet by getting them a plush toy of the same species!

Head to WWF Gifts to choose one of many beautiful species in need.

4. FOREVER FLOWERS

If you properly desiccate flowers before giving them as a gift, the person can keep them in their home for months, without having to change their water or buy a new bouquet. They look stunning, too.

A common flower to use is lavender, as it dries very easily and leaves your home smelling lovely. Just put them into an (upcycled) vase and be left with forever flowers.

Learn to desiccate flowers yourself, or have beautiful bouquets of dried flowers made for you by Earth Within.

3. ZERO-WASTE SKINCARE

Ace of Air is a sustainable, vegan, fair trade, zero waste wellness brand. Once you’ve finished using the product, give back the packaging (which our very own CEMfg designers helped create!) to have it sanitized and refilled. Behold circular, waste-free beauty.

Head over to AceOfAir.com to check out their moisturizers, serums, and supplements, and take your skincare routine to the next, sustainable level.

2. A CANDLE WITH A SECOND LIFE

Ah, we love these. Ever feel guilty when seeing all that wax melt away into nothingness, or is it just us? Either way, the companies below give candles a second life by turning their melted wax into body lotion. 2 in 1! We love that.

Element Tree Essentials
Spinster Sisters Co.
Uncommon Goods
Creative Energy Candles

1. VEGAN, ETHICAL, ORGANIC, FAIR TRADE CHOCOLATE

Finally, you can’t have a Valentine’s Day without chocolate, can you? Well, we can't, at least. But chocolate can be so bad for the environment and for the communities it comes from! Luckily, Livekindly has compiled a great list of ethical, vegan, fair trade, organic chocolate. Now that’s the guilt-free we’re talking about.