Zero-Waste Valentine's Day: 7 Eco-Friendly Ways to Say "I Love You" Without the Waste! Holidays

This week FoodTank is excited to spread some love, but they want to highlight the importance of being mindful of waste. Chocolates wrapped in plastic and waxed cardboard, greeting cards with additional plastic covering and even jewelry with a dirty origin story are all gifts that we may like to receive, but are harming the planet. Thankfully, there are still plenty of ways to express love on February 14 this year and every year that also give love to the planet!

FoodTank wants to challenge you to come up with the most sustainable, eco-friendly Valentine’s Day celebration ever. We waste about one-third of the food we produce every year and at peak holiday seasons, the amount of garbage waste increases by an estimated 25 percent. 

While plastic can be difficult to avoid, there are companies providing alternatives to pesky plastics. A zero-waste lifestyle might sound daunting, but there are lots of inspiring people who document their waste-free lifestyles to help others do the same. Here’s a list of seven ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day (and other Hallmark holidays) without filling up the trash: 

• Visit a local boozery.
• Take a cooking class.
• Cook a meal at home.
• Gift sustainable wine and chocolate.
• Play in the outdoors.
• Pay it forward.
• Buy an eco-friendly gift.

Read more about ideas for a sustainable Valentine’s Day via FoodTank.com.

Photo: FoodTank