According to the UN Environment Program, every year, an estimated 11.2 billion tons of solid waste are collected worldwide. The amount of waste doubles during holidays, long weekends and special occasions, such as Valentine’s day. So why not try these gift ideas for a zero-waste valentine?
Potted plants. Instead of giving flowers, consider giving plants. A potted plant lasts longer than a bouquet of flowers. Living plants help the environment since they release oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, serves as habitat and food for wildlife, and help regulate the water cycle.
DIY gifts. Making gifts may consume a lot of time, but this allows you to get creative, resulting in more personalized items. Consider the hobbies and preferences of the receiver. Whether it’s a crocheted decor, a painted portrait, a hand-written letter, or home-baked cookies, your giftees will appreciate the effort you’ve poured into your gifts.
The gift of experience. To avoid unnecessary waste that usually starts with unnecessary shopping, hop on to the “gift of experience” trend. Go and take your date to a movie, play or an amusement park. Or better yet, shower your special someone with acts of services, such as cooking meals, cleaning the house, or giving a massage. After all, experiences tend to be remembered more than material things.
Go for locally-grown items. Support local crafters and workers by purchasing items sourced and made locally. This helps in cutting down fuel consumption and air pollution created by items delivered through overseas planes and long-truck trips. Also, skip the plastic wrap!
Remember, it is not necessary to spend huge amounts of money to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Show the environment some love, too!
From four-month celebrations, to serving black noodles and women buying men gifts and chocolates, Valentine’s is indeed a much-celebrated day in different parts of the world.
Whether you’re single or happily taken, one thing you can enjoy is this list of how people celebrate Hearts’ Day in unique ways around the world.
DENMARK
Men give women gaekkebrev, a “joking letter” consisting of a funny poem written on intricately cut paper and signed only with anonymous dots. If a woman can correctly guess the sender of the card, she earns herself an Easter egg later that year.
SOUTH KOREA
Valentine’s is celebrated each month starting February through April. On February 14, women give their men chocolates, flowers, and candies. During White Day (March 14), men will not only give their partner chocolates and flowers, but also a special gift. April 14 is a celebration for those who are not in a relationship. This is called Black Day, wherein singles mourn their status by eating “jajangmyeon” or black bean noodles.
SOUTH AFRICA
Women pin the names of their crushes on their sleeves, allowing men to discover their secret admirers.
JAPAN
Girls give the traditional Giri Choco to male colleagues, friends, or even bosses. It has no romantic association unless a handmade gift is given with another chocolate variant, called Honmon Choco. A month later, males have to return the favor with gifts, chocolates and more.
GERMANY
Lovers will not only exchange chocolates, flowers, and other heart shaped gifts, but also pigs. It is believed that pigs represent luck and lust, and can be given in different forms—pictures, miniature statues, chocolates, etc.
TAIWAN
Valentine’s is celebrated twice a year. On February 14 and July 7, flowers play an important role. Red roses represent “only love”, 99 roses represent “love forever”, and 108 roses signifies popping the question “Will you marry me?”
WALES
The Welsh celebrate their patron saint of love Saint Dwynwen on January 25, which is equivalent to Valentine’s Day. Wooden love spoons are given as gifts.
MIAO, SOUTH WEST CHINA
During the Sister’s Meal Festival, women cook an assortment of colorful rice dishes, which are wrapped in silk and offered to serenading suitors. The fate of the relationship rides upon the item found within the rice. Two chopsticks mean love, but a clove of garlic means the romance is over before it even started.
— Researcher: Panahon TV intern Gem Lat