sustainable romance: making valentine’s day green By Sue Good
The most romantic day of the year is fast approaching and for many of us it’s another occasion to buy, wrap and binge! I am all for occasions to celebrate, whether it’s a birthday, passing exams or simply love, however, the way we celebrate Valentine’s Day is not very eco-friendly. With millions of cards and hundreds of miles of unrecyclable flower bouquet wrap sent to landfill, not to mention the intensive farming methods used to grow flowers, it is yet another day of avoidable excess. So, is there a way to enjoy the romance in a more sustainable way? I looked into how the pinkest and reddest day of the year can actually be made green. Here are my top tips:
• Enjoy the outdoors. Plan a trip to a park or try a coastal walk. Check out The National Trust – their properties can definitely provide the perfect romantic back drop.
Romantic date • Book a table at a restaurant specialising in organic or locally grown food. There are plenty of ‘local’ orientated restaurants in Cardiff. They often grow their own produce and pride themselves in their use of Welsh goods. Try The Potted Pig or The Grazing Shed. • Go vegan or vegetarian. It’s not sexy chewing on a gristly rump steak anyway, so head for an eatery that’s meat free. Some of the best in Cardiff are: Anna Loka (Albany Road), Vegetarian Food Studio (Penarth Road), Got No Beef (Barrack Lane) and The Lazy Leek (Pontcanna) for a fast food alternative • Ask for a doggy bag. It might not seem to be the most romantic thing to request, but it might solve what to have for tea on the 15th February. • Fancy a tipple? Look for wine or beer made with organic produce, in lightweight bottles and made locally. Championing local beer are Otley Brewing company and Craft Devil Brewery and great sparkling wine can be found at Acre Hill Vineyard.
Flowers • Say no to cut flowers. These are intensively grown and notorious for excessive chemical and water use. Try a pot plant instead. Miniature roses, jasmine and orchids all say a lasting ‘I love you’. • If you can’t say no to a pretty bunch of flowers, then ask your local florist for an ‘in season’ bouquet. Also ask them to tie your bouquet with string or raffia (the pretty shiny ribbon and plastic bands are not recyclable) and say NO to plastic wrap. If you are interested in finding locally crown flora and fauna try http:// growninwales.co.uk/ for Welsh producers and suppliers. • Plant a tree. This will not solve deforestation, but it will make a beautiful valentine present. Apple, Pear and Peach trees make a harvestable gift and Acer Maples, Crab Apple, Olive and Silver Birch trees are gorgeous.
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Article - Sue Good - February 2020... page 2
Tuesday, 28 January 2020 14:15 Magenta Yellow Cyan Black
