How to make the planet your Valentine

Today (14 February) is Valentine's Day, which is a lovely way to do something nice and celebrate someone in your life you appreciate.

However, Valentine's Day is heavily commercialised, with shops promoting chocolates, cards, flowers and stuffed animals, and as people like to exchange gifts on Valentine's Day, the environmental impact can be huge.

According to a video by Waste360, a waste management company, on Valentine's Day, US citizens buy:

• 36 million heart-shaped boxes;
• 180 million cards;
• 198 million roses;
• 881 thousand bottles of sparkling wine;
• 58 million pounds of chocolate.

The environmental impact adds up to more carbon emissions than would be created from driving around the world 3,993 times.

Roses

Nevertheless, this is not a reason to not celebrate Valentine's Day if you want to, but acts as an incentive to celebrate more sustainably.

It is recommended that you ditch the roses as Britain buys almost 8 million red roses in February. That is around 570 tonnes, with many coming by airplane from Africa, which contributes to a carbon dump of 32kg of carbon dioxide per bunch.

It also takes 120 litres of water to grow 12 roses, so they are not a particularly environmentally friendly option on any count. But if they are your loved ones favourite, why not buy a rose bush which you can keep in a pot or plant in your garden. That way you will receive roses every year, and you will be inviting pollinating insects into your garden too.

According to Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter Collective (SSAW), a community of chefs, florists and growers, a bouquet of 15 British flowers only produces 1.7kg of carbon emissions, which is 95% less, so buying from your local florist, who will be able to help you make a more environmentally friendly choice, is best.

Chocolates

Unfortunately, when it comes to water consumption, roses are not the biggest Valentine's culprit. It takes 1,700 litres of water to make just 100g of chocolate, which is worth considering before you opt for the biggest box in the shop.

When buying chocolates, always consider a Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade label.

You could even go homemade and make them biscuits or cakes instead of chocolate, or buy sweets.

Spread the eco-friendly love

Here are some other ways to love your planet this Valentine's Day:

• make your own card and presents;
• consider sustainable shops and options when buying gifts and cards;
• always try to shop local for gifts and cards;
• buy flowers from a local florist, or buy a house plant that can be appreciated for longer;
• gift experiences instead of something physical;
• try keep your date sustainable, such as a walk or hike, home cooked dinner or film night at home.