Green scene

Valentine’s Day is a time when many of us splash out on treats, most commonly meals, confectionery and of course, flowers. According to leading research body Mintel, we spent 19% less on gifts last year than in 2022.

They did a survey to understand why. Unsurprisingly, financial concerns due to the soaring cost of living was one major factor. The other was what was described as “the growing fatigue amongst consumers about the throwaway nature of many usual Valentine’s Day gifts”.

So what can you do to spoil your significant other at this – and any other – time of year, while maintaining a low environmental impact? You’ll know all the obvious no-nos, such as single use plastic, non-recyclable items like foil balloons and wrap, and over-packaged gift sets and confectionery.

Instead, consider items which spread the love for the environment and your fellow humans, too. Taking floral gifts as an example, Fairtrade explain why flowers from the growers they work with help spread the love far and wide.

“Fairtrade flowers are grown with respect for people and planet, as our Fairtrade Standards require farms to meet certain economic, social, and environmental values,” explains Mahsa Yeganeh, senior sustainable sourcing manager on flowers.

“To ensure that wages on Fairtrade certified farms are above the global poverty line of $2.15 per day, Fairtrade expects companies to pay their workers at least the Fairtrade floor wage.

“Farms also receive an extra amount of money called the Fairtrade Premium, which is added to the price paid for the flowers and helps farmers to invest in projects that improve their lives and benefit their communities.

“In 2022, flower workers received more than £7.3 million in Fairtrade Premium which they invested in training, education, housing and healthcare for them and their families, plus services for their communities, such as clean water, bicycles, or solar lighting.”

And if Valentine’s Day is all about love, then surely if should be about love for all, and not just your partner? Take the opportunity this year to make it a more lasting and worthwhile day, and share good feelings around, while doing your bit to stay green.