Love Doesn’t Belong in a Landfill: Rethinking Valentine’s Day
I’m a girl who loves all things pink, February, and Valentine’s Day. I mean, hearts, glitter, and chocolate? Sign me up. But here’s the thing: I’m also a girl who hates being gifted products that will just end up getting tossed in the dumpster. A couple of weeks ago, I walked into Walmart, and the first thing I saw was—you guessed it—Valentine’s Day stuff. Stuffed animal after stuffed animal, all destined to be given to girls who will (let’s be real) probably be heartbroken by their boyfriends in a few months. And where will those stuffed animals end up? Yep, the landfill.
Valentine’s Day has become a parade of stuff—stuffed animals, heart-shaped trinkets, and cheap chocolates that often end up forgotten or in landfills. And let’s be honest, nothing says “I love you” like a mass-produced teddy bear that’ll be collecting dust by March, right?
But here’s the truth: love isn’t found in a Walmart aisle. It’s in the moments we share, the connections we nurture, and the care we show for each other—and the planet.
This year, let’s break free from the cycle of consumerism and celebrate love in ways that are meaningful, sustainable, and truly heartfelt. Because nothing says “I love you” like a gift that doesn’t come with a receipt. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Ways to Celebrate Love Without the Waste
Write a heartfelt letter. Put pen to paper and tell someone why they mean so much to you. It’s personal, timeless, and creates zero waste.
Cook a meal together. Skip the crowded restaurants and create a cozy, intimate dinner at home. Bonus points if you use local, seasonal ingredients!
Give the gift of time. Plan a hike, a picnic, or a movie night at home. The best gifts are often experiences, not things.
Make something handmade. Knit a scarf, bake cookies, a soothing coffee scrub, or create a playlist of songs that remind you of them. Handmade gifts are filled with love and intention.
Plant something together. Whether it’s a tree, a flower, or herbs for your kitchen, it’s a gift that grows and gives back to the earth.
Donate to a cause they care about. Show your love by supporting something meaningful to them—whether it’s an environmental charity, an animal shelter, or a local community project.
Celebrate self-love. Take a bath, journal, or spend the day doing something that fills your cup. Loving yourself is the first step to loving others—and the planet. Join our February Challenge!
By choosing to celebrate love sustainably, we’re saying no to waste, no to excess, and yes to what truly matters: connection, care, and compassion.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s show love not just to each other, but to the planet too.
💚 What’s your favorite way to celebrate love sustainably?
