02/11/2026
We have all of your sustainable, nontoxic, and long lasting Valentine’s Day needs!
DID YOU KNOW? Valentine’s Day generates significant environmental damage through high-carbon, long-distance transport of flowers, excessive single-use plastic packaging, and waste from millions of greeting cards and cheap gifts. The holiday’s demand for flowers and chocolate drives deforestation, pesticide use, and produces 360,000+ metric tons of CO2.
Floral Footprint: Roughly 80% of U.S. Valentine’s flowers are imported, primarily from Colombia and Ecuador, requiring specialized, high-emission refrigerated air transport. This generates 360,000 metric tons of emissions in just three weeks.
Plastic & Waste: The holiday causes a surge in landfill waste from non-recyclable cards, cellophane wrappers, ribbons, and cheap, synthetic gifts that do not biodegrade. Over 7.6 million square meters of plastic waste is generated in the U.S. alone.
Deforestation & Agriculture: Chocolate production for the holiday is linked to deforestation in West Africa. Flower cultivation uses significant pesticides and water, contributing to soil degradation.
Refrigerated Transport: After flying in, flowers are shipped via refrigerated trucks, which use 25% more fuel than standard trucks.
💗🌎🌳SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES: Buy locally grown flowers or potted plants. Opt for digital cards or those made from recycled materials. Choose Fair Trade chocolate and sustainable, lasting gifts over cheap plastic novelties.
