5 minute read
Sustainable Romance
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:
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 15 th
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. • 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.
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.
As an alternative to sending or receiving flowers, why not make a flower seed bomb. Here’s how: Method - Rip up scraps of paper (about 6 sheets) and place in a blender - Add two cups of water and wait ten minutes - Blend the mix into a mulch - Add 1 tablespoon of wildflower seeds - Place mix on to some muslin and squeeze out excess water - Mould mix into hearts (silicone moulds are useful) - Dry over night
and find a ring that meets high ethical and sustainable standards. Brands like Clogau and Arabel Lebrusan are leading the way. • Try zero-waste gifts. Bars of handmade soaps, organic wool scarves or a batch of cookies made by your own loving hands will always be a winner. • Avoid the cheap chocolates and spoil your loved one with organic, ethical chocolate options. Look out for the Fairtrade sign on all your possible buys. Seed and Bean, Willi’s Cacao and Divine are all great choices • Dedicate a song. Steve Wright on a Sunday morning here I come! • Buy them an experience to remember. Why not try wine tasting together or something more adventurous like paddle boarding or rock climbing. • Buy ethical underwear. Try the following British based sustainable underwear companies: luvahuva.co.uk, moralfibres.co.uk, boody.co.uk and nuiami.com. And don’t forget Albany Road’s Ripple. • If you are trying to light the flame of love at home, avoid candles which are paraffin or lead and synthetic fragrances. Choose unscented natural ones such as beeswax or soy.
And there you have it: A green guide to romance. Now you can feel all warm and fuzzy inside because you’re environmentally friendly, as well as in love!
And voila: a gift that can be planted in the spring in pots or in the garden. Not only will the flowers grow, but bees and insects will also enjoy the gift.
Gifts and cards • Avoid buying cards with plastic covers. Many supermarkets and stationary shops sell cover free cards now – Marks and Spencer, WH Smith and local store Ripple all sell them. Just keep an eye out. Or you can send an e-card or make your own instead. • Propose with an ethically sourced engagement ring. Gold and diamonds have a history of dubious mining and treating, so do your research
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