Conservation and Biodiversity
Eco-Lovely Gifts for Your Sweetheart
February 9, 2026
As the most popular day of the year to buy flowers, Valentine’s Day drives business into the storefronts of thousands of florists and supermarkets across the world. And the flowers themselves? Also from around the world.
Few flowers are grown anywhere near the shop where they’re sold. Roughly 80% of all flowers sold in the US are imported, mainly from South America, and the largest worldwide supplier in 2023 was the Netherlands. This long journey creates a massive carbon footprint, by plane it can cost 1 to 1.5 kg of CO2 emissions per stem
But flowers are not the only way to show that special someone. Here are five things to gift someone this Valentine’s Day to show them you care about them, and the Earth:
Budding Love Locally
Most flowers bought in the US burn a lot of fuel in transit to the supermarket or local florist shop. Luckily, there is a more rosey option. Locally grown flowers take far less fuel to transport, support nearby farmers, and last longer because they don’t spend a week traveling after they’re cut.
Locally grown means a florist only sells flowers grown within a 100-mile radius of their shop. By buying from local farmers, you cut down on the costly carbon footprint it takes to transport imported flowers and support the local economy. Growing your own blooms or picking wildflowers from surrounding parks are also great options.
P.S. I Love Handmade and Digital Cards
You did it in elementary school, so why not bring this creative tradition back? Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days to send or give a card, with around 145 million exchanged on the holiday each year. But not every piece of a paper card can be recycled, like glitter, ribbons, felt, music boxes, and foil, so most cards will end up in a landfill. If you do buy a card, be sure to remove all these extra pieces before recycling.
So instead, make a homemade gift card. Cut out hearts from paper, write a heartfelt message, or paint or draw a picture for your loved one. If you’re far away from your special someone, a digital card can be just as memorable and doesn’t contribute to landfill clutter.
Paper Petals
Unlike real flowers, paper flowers never wither. They’re also a perfect craft for any little ones participating in the day as a present to Mom.
There are many different ways to make these flowers. The most common way is using tissue paper and pipe cleaners for a 3D bouquet. You can also use old egg cartons to make a flower garland, hyacinths from construction paper, or a cupcake liner lollipop flower.
These are just a few of the many crafty ways to make a more permanent bouquet for your Valentine. Anything that makes use of craft supplies or everyday recyclables is a chance to keep something out of the landfill and brighten up the room at the same time.
Potted Plants
Instead of buying a flower that’ll die within a week, give one that’ll continue to blossom longer, and multiple times. Potted plants of any kind means you can watch your love grow… literally.
But if your special person doesn’t have a green thumb, don’t worry! There are plenty of easy-to-care-for plants you can get them. A snake plant, for instance, is a large fern-like plant with deep green leaves that stick straight into the air. Just tell the recipient to not water it too much and have them put it next to a window for some sun. Some other greenery options include the leafy ZZ Plant, which tolerates low light and dry conditions, or succulents which should be placed where they get lots of light and sparsely watered.
For a flowering plant, try the Peace Lily, which likes some light and just needs its soil kept moist. A potted zinnia will give a pop of color to one’s home and should only be watered when its soil is dry. African violets are compact and just need a bright window and enough water to keep the soil damp.There really is an option for everyone!
Memories Don’t Wilt
What do you get for someone who has everything? Something to do!
A 2023 survey shows that 92% of Americans hope for gifted experiences, compared to 77% wanting a physical gift. Though that high percentage for the physical means you still shouldn’t skip on the chocolate this Valentine’s Day, maybe instead of the bouquet of flowers, you can gift something to remember.
Tickets to a concert or a play are classics. Some kind of class, from cooking to glass blowing, can be a way to get your loved one out of their comfort zone. If you’re celebrating on a budget, try taking your sweetheart on a picnic date at a nearby park. Pack each of your favorite foods, and if you want to be sappy, cut the sandwiches in the shape of a heart — just make sure to compost the chef scraps.
Show Love for your Partner, and the Planet
No matter who you’re celebrating this love-filled holiday with, there’s always an opportunity to speak someone’s love language while also showing your love for the earth. EARTHDAY.ORG’s love language is an act of service, and we’re proud to plant hundreds of millions of trees to show our appreciation for the planet. If service is your love language too, and you want to help us reach a billion trees planted by 2060 (that’s 34 Valentine’s Day’s away) consider donating to our Canopy Tree Project to help show the earth some extra love.