Ah, Valentine's Day, the day of love, romance, and perhaps a bit too much consumerism. But hey, don't let the heart-shaped balloons and giant teddy bears overwhelm you. This year, let's make Valentine's Day not just about the stuff, but about the sentiment. And what's even better? Let's make it sustainable!

Now, I get it. February is a month that often feels like a never-ending winter blues marathon. So, why not break up the monotony with a little love and positivity? Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you're in a committed relationship, casually dating, or treating yourself to some self-love, this is your chance to spread a little joy.

 

What makes Valentine’s Day unsustainable?

Now, let's talk about what makes Valentine's Day a bit, well, unsustainable. From the 20th century onwards, it seems the focus shifted from heartfelt sentiments to the 'stuff.' We're talking gifts, cards, candy, flowers – you name it. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2022 alone, a whopping $21.8 billion was spent on Valentine's Day gifts in the U.S., with an average person shelling out $165. That's a lot of heart-shaped chocolates and roses!

And the environmental impact? It's no small matter. Think foil balloons that refuse to biodegrade and the staggering 145 million Valentine’s Day cards exchanged annually in the U.S. Did you know it takes one tree to produce around 3000 cards? That’s over 48,000 trees cut down just for cards each year in the U.S. alone. It’s like Cupid’s arrow, but aimed at the planet.

 

Can you have a sustainable Valentine’s Day?

You can still have a Valentine's Day filled with love and a dash of sustainability. Living a green lifestyle doesn’t mean skipping out on celebrations. It just means being a bit more mindful. So, how can you make your Valentine’s Day eco-friendly?

First off, ditch the one-day novelties. Do we really need heart-shaped everything? Probably not. Instead, focus on thoughtful gestures that your partner will cherish for years to come. Quality over quantity, my friend!

Consider a romantic day trip together. It could be a scenic hike, a beach day, or exploring a nearby town. You’ll not only create lasting memories but also minimize your carbon footprint. Or, channel your inner chef and whip up a home-cooked meal. Candlelight, homemade pasta, and a bottle of wine – now that's amore!

If you're feeling crafty, why not make something homemade? A handwritten letter, a scrapbook of your favorite moments together, or even a personalized playlist can go a long way. It’s the thought that counts, after all.

 

Our top picks for sustainable Valentine’s Day gifts

We've curated a list of gifts that are not only thoughtful but also gentle on the planet from Verte Mode. Your loved one beaming with joy, and Mother Earth giving you a little nod of approval.

 

Gia Maxi Dress Mango

Feel the wind in your hair and the sand between your toes. This luxurious, beautiful mango-colored maxi dress is perfect for any occasion. Made from a high-quality, silky soft fabric and elastic at the waist, not only will you be looking elegant and chic, but you won’t have to give up comfort with our Gia dress. You'll be sure to turn heads whenever you're wearing it! Responsibly handmade in Bali with all the love.. Handcrafted from high-quality sustainable fabrics certified Oeko Tex Standard 100

 

Lizush Heart Shaped Shower Steamers Gift Set

Whether it's the enjoyment of a long bath at the end of the day, relaxing with a good book, or just treating your friends and loved ones, our 5 Heart Shaped Shower Steamers Gift Set is a perfect choice. Our All Natural Handmade Products make this a unique gift as a Bridesmaids gift, Mother’s Day gift, Birthday gift, Valentines day, Christmas gift, or just because you deserve it…

Apple Watch Band- Green Croc

By popular demand, our Apple Watch band is here in all your favorite colored crocs. 

Featuring:

• Hand-crafted from premium leather scraps to eliminate manufacturing waste.
• Lined in soft neutral leather for comfort
• Limited Edition

 

 

Love / Honeysuckle Scent: Candles for Good

This light, spring-y Honeysuckle Scent raises funds for the World Wildlife Fund, Koala Recovery. 

Koalas are an endangered species and their habitat is critical to their survival. The WWF fund provides emergency care and is also working to restore Koala's homes from recent bushfires as part of their 2 billion trees initiative.

Our 12 oz. candles are hand-poured into recycled glass jars and made of eco coconut soy wax. They have a 60-hour burn time.

 

Apero Crop Top

Our new crop top in jacquard .
Waist-length cami with elasticated back for ease and fit, and adjustable spaghetti straps.
In Night Blue color, this top is cut in an elevated jacquard fabric that has a soft hand-feel and a luxurious shine. With its unbelievably chic 'wood bark' tone on tone pattern, you're both subtle and sexy.

 

Orchid + Ash HEARTH Ritual Spray

Warm spices mingle gently with hints of maple and the aroma of a cozy crackling fire. Reminiscent of that first breath of cold air you take in when you step outside on a Winter night.

 

Love you boo - Greeting Card

Love you boo. Send some love to your boo. <3

Our cards give back to Animal Rescue of New Orleans in honor of our beloved BFF & Mascot Tonto.

Clever, conversational, humorous, and sometimes serious cards, is what you'll find in our collection of Underdog Cards. Drop a line or a smile to your loved ones & also help animals in need. 

 

Wine Gala Crossbody Camera Bag Crafted From Apple Peel

Compact camera bag with a simplistic silhouette crafted from natural apple peel and plant-based materials.

Small, but mighty, this bag can pack a punch. This bag has one functional exterior pocket and a small interior pocket that can hold all of your on-the-go essentials while stay organized.

Material certification includes: USDA certification for biobased materials, PETA certification for cruelty-free product, WFTO certification for fair trade, and OEKO-TEX for free of harmful chemical substances

 

Calm Bomb® CBD Bath Bombs - 2 Pack

Our Calm Bomb Two-pack CBD bath bombs are great for gifts. Do you want a bath bomb with the most lasting effects? Our bath bomb two-pack gift set comes with two of our highest quality ingredient bombs to nourish every inch of your body. Each bath bomb is made with the richest, natural essential oil blends to best fit your body. Within seconds of dissolving the bath bombs, your skin will be singing!

CBD = HEAL AND DE-STRESS – They are made with rich essential oil blends and 25 MG of high-quality CBD and proprietary ingredients that allow pores to open for maximum CBD absorption, helpful in reducing symptoms of pain and anxiety without any psychoactive effects. Our Calm Bomb® melts away stress and takes you away with the tranquility of a spa experience.

 

Cara Gold Heart Necklace

A simple way to say “I love you” or even “I adore you.” Our Cara Heart Necklace handcrafted in 14k gold filled with love. It is perfect to wear every day and gift it to a loved one!

 

Men's Natural Skincare & Grooming Set

Our men's kit is a perfect boost for an easy skincare regimen. Mindfully created with highly effective natural and clean ingredients, to provide relaxing & soothing grooming products that prioritize you.

All natural grooming set includes:

• Massage oil - 4 oz (Frosted Glass bottle)
• Beard oil - 2 oz (Glass bottle)
• Foot cream - eucalyptus scent with shea butter
• Eucalyptus natural soap
• Lemongrass natural soap
• Soap saver, for exfoliation
• Natural unscented lip balm
• Face Towel
• Customizable box 

 

Explore the entire 2024 Valentine's day curated collection here.

So, there you have it – a guide to a conscious Valentine’s Day. Let’s make this year about love, not just for each other but for the planet too. Because nothing says ‘I love you’ like a sustainable, thoughtful gesture that stands the test of time. Here’s to a Valentine’s Day that’s light on the planet but heavy on the love!