Best Eco-friendly Alternatives To Roses This Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is a time for lovers to express their appreciation for one another through thoughtful gifts. Roses have long been associated with love, but they come at a cost: they are not eco-friendly and require pesticides, water, and fertilizer.
For those looking to get creative this Valentine's Day without breaking the bank or hurting the environment, consider these eleven alternatives:
11 Alternatives To Roses That Are Eco Friendly
1. An Ode to their Favorite Person - Written by you
If you're looking for a way to express affection and love, why not create an ode to your favorite person? A poem, song, or haiku can be just as romantic as any flower. Even if you're not much of a writer, don't worry! You don't need to be Shakespeare to write something meaningful and heartfelt.
If you want to go all out with this idea and make it extra special, include a photo of both of you on the card so they know exactly who their poem was written for (and how cute they look!). Make sure that whatever writing utensils or paper products are environmentally friendly; most paper nowadays is made from recycled materials, so there's no need for new trees.
2. A Big Bunch of Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a great choice for a more traditional yet still eco-friendly option. They're a sign of love and friendship, as well as happiness and good fortune. Sunflowers are easy to grow and care for (they need lots of sunlight), so you don't have to worry about spending time in the garden or running out of space at home.
3. Handmade Personal Gifts
Handmade personal gifts are a great way to show your creativity and thoughtfulness. They're also a great way to make your Valentine's Day gift more meaningful, since you can use the gift as an opportunity to express yourself.
Handmade gifts can be more affordable than store-bought alternatives, especially if you make baked goods or pottery requiring minimal supplies. Handmade items are often made from sustainable materials like natural fibers or recycled products--which means they'll last longer than their mass-produced counterparts.
4. Local Honey and Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are a better option than paraffin candles because they're made from all-natural ingredients and are more sustainable. Plus, they have a lower carbon footprint than most other candles. Local honey is also a great gift for your Valentine! Honey has been a symbol of love since ancient times (and even before). It's sweet, it's tasty, and it comes from bees who pollinate flowers, so we can enjoy beautiful flowers like roses every year!
5. A Pair of Soft Slippers
When choosing slippers, you should look for ones made from natural materials such as wool or cotton. The best part about these shoes is that they're easy to care for and can last for years if properly taken care of! These are perfect for you if you want something cozy to wear around the house (or even outside).
6. Go, Green – with a Fun Greenhouse or Terrarium
There are many benefits to having plants in your home or office. They can bring the outdoors inside and improve air quality by filtering out pollutants like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Plus, they give off oxygen, which helps reduce stress levels.
If you want to go green this Valentine's Day but don't want to deal with those pesky insects (or watering), try planting some succulents instead! Succulents are drought tolerant, so they require very little maintenance--ensure they get enough sunlight each day, and they should be good to go.
7. Spa Day at Home
A spa day at home is a great way to relax and de-stress, whether you're doing it together or separately. It can be done in the morning, afternoon, or evening--and even in your bathtub or shower! The best part about this gift is that it doesn't require much preparation; all you need is some time and maybe a few candles for ambiance.
8. A Fun, Unexpected Adventure
If you're looking for something fun and unexpected, consider an adventure with your partner or friends. Whether it's a day on the ice or snowshoeing through the woods, these activities are perfect for a date or simply spending time with loved ones.
Whether you choose to go skating in the winter or venture out into nature during warmer weather, many options will make this Valentine's Day eco-friendly and memorable.
9. Foliage Bouquets
Foliage bouquets are a great way to add some greenery to your Valentine's Day decor. They're also much more affordable than traditional roses, so you can get the same look for less money.
If you want something a little more traditional, try ferns or fiddle head ferns. You can use these plants as they are or pair them with other flowers like astilbes and ranunculus (if you want something unique).
If you want something less formal, try using other types of greenery, like eucalyptus stems or dried leaves from palm trees--they'll still have that lush feel without costing as much money.
10. Orchids
Orchids are easy to care for and can last up to a year. If you want to give the gift of an orchid but don't need more space in your home or budget for one, consider purchasing it from a local florist instead of ordering online--you'll save money on shipping costs and get something fresh right away.
11. Natural Fibers and Textiles
Natural fibers and textiles are a great eco-friendly alternative to roses. Natural fibers are more durable than flowers, so they can be reused. Natural fabrics are made from renewable resources and can be recycled or composted at the end of their lives. Finally, these natural materials decompose quickly in landfills, meaning less impact on our environment.
Conclusion
So, in conclusion, this article has been helpful to you in deciding what kind of flowers to give this Valentine's Day. Remember that many alternatives exist, so feel free to buy roses if they fit your budget or lifestyle!
