Roses are red, violets are blue, low-waste love is the ultimate woo! In this special Valentine’s Day episode, Eleisha and Ali take aim at the excess and show you how to celebrate without giving love (or the planet) a bad name. From Cupid’s origins to the evolution of Valentine’s Day traditions, we’re delving into history, consumerism, and sustainable alternatives. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, your besties, or indulging in some well-deserved self-love, we’ve got the tips to make it meaningful without the waste!

Key Takeaways

• Cupid’s Double Duty: Turns out, our favorite cherub wasn’t just shooting love arrows—he also had one that sparked repulsion. If only we could use that to fight plastic waste!

• Valentine’s Day By the Numbers: Americans buy 36 million heart-shaped boxes, 58 million pounds of chocolate, and 198 million roses each year—yikes!

• The Eco-Friendly Bouquet: 80% of cut flowers are imported, leading to major carbon emissions. Consider potted plants, dried flowers, or locally sourced blooms instead.

• DIY Valentine’s Done Right: From handmade seed-paper cards to upcycled fabric hand warmers, personalized gifts can be sustainableand sentimental.

• Experiences Over Stuff: Ditch the generic chocolate box and plan a cooking class, a hike, or an at-home spa day for a more memorable celebration.

• Beyond Romance: Valentine’s isn’t just for couples—celebrate with friends, family, or even your community with a hobby fair or Galentine’s gathering!

Links

• Valentine's Card Waste
• Environmental Impact of Valentine's Day
• Flown-in Flowers
• History of Valentine's Day
• The Mother of the American Valentine
• Colombia Flower Farms
• Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement
• Learn more about Eleisha's refillery and shop:mainlineshift.com
• Follow Ali's viral upcycling tips on social media: @tiny_waste

Join the Conversation

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day sustainably? Let us know by tagging @OneCanHopePodcast on social media!