It's that time of the year, when all the brands start promoting 'Love' like never in the remaining 10 months of the year! Yes, the time your see all the visual merchandisers go beserk with the colour red - the colour of love! All of them, only trying to convince you to spend the modern day of love, in the most perfect way! Valentine's day is way more than just a colour, or a getaway! It is a day to make your loved ones feel more special than they do on other days. To show them that they are valued and appreciated than most beings you know on the planet!
Giving cards, buying flowers and chocolates or taking them on fancy dinners definetely are the most sought after ways but hey, let's be a bit mindful about these things too. Let's not forget the love we received from our planet to start a life. Let us do some things mindfully and reconsider our choices, in order to not cause any harm to our environment in the bargain. Millions of paper cards, flowers wrapped in plastic, all will be a part of trash the next day. Why not become a bit conscious and spend the day purposefully!
I will not tell you how you should spend your day but what I'd rather do, is provide you some environment-friendly options and ideas to do the same.

I have never celebrated a Valentine's day with a partner ( like a boyfriend ) . I spend my Valentine's with my mother and the rest of my family. So, the below mentioned ideas are for anyone and everyone and even for yourself, not just for couples ( as usually pictured )

Adopt a Tree
The world needs more of love but at this hour it definetely needs more trees. There are many NGOs offering this option now. WWF India started this campaign in 2005 with the idea of growing and nurturing the native species of trees. This was extended not only to individuals but also to organizations, so more people could participate, more like a CSR activity. Just like sponsoring a child, you will get updates and photos of the tree you adopted. If that is not sweet, I do not know what is? If this idea fascinates you, here is the link https://support.wwfindia.org/aat/ . Go ahead, adopt a tree with your loved one, it's a good way to make your mother Earth feel loved and appreciated too. :)

Buy a sustainable starter pack for your special ones to encourage them to go green!

Compile a box, full of sustainable products. A bamboo toothbrush, natural deostick, shampoo bar, silicon straw and an eco-friendly tote, are just some options. The internet is flooded with options. Surf on and customize a box as per the special needs of your loved ones.

Thoughtful Gifts
Buy from brands, which promote and practise sustainability and follow ethical practises of production. A dress made from eco-friendly fabric or a vegan cruelty-free makeup, you have innumerable options. You will be spoilt for choices.

Recycle, Reuse, Recreate.
Make a DIY gift using recycled material. You can make a plant holder using plastic bottles, or a tote out of an old dress, look for ideas on the internet or make your own. Innovate to impress!

Planning a getaway?

Choose a beautiful eco-friendly resort to celebrate your day of love!
You do not have to sacrifice your comforts in order to be eco-friendly. This concept of eco-tourism is not just for the nature lovers now, it is slowly being accepted by the masses as the better and more luxurious option. Essence of love and nature together! What to a day to spend, in the wilderness!

Buy ethical chocolate

'Ethical chocolate? So fancy! Where do I go looking for it now? Must be expensive!' This is what we say when someone talks about ethical chocolate brands . But there are some individuals who beleived otherwise and created some exotic ethical chocolate brands. Mason and co. is one such, who creates single origin chocolate and cacao products. Earth Loaf is another, who mindfully crafts their artisanal chocolate bars, using all organic ingredients. You can buy one for less then Rs.350 . Yes, I know it might sound expensive for a bar, but think of it from the sustainability point of view. These are artisanal chocolates, made with locally sourced ingredients; some directly from the farmers; organic, made in small batches. Appreciate the work that goes behind making this product.
Well, another great option could also be making your own chocolate. Adds a personal touch! You can customise the shapes and sizes as per your like.

Visit an animal shelter, an orphanage or an old-age home.
To make the underprivileged feel loved, is a noble act. I need not say more. Remember Valentine's day is all about celebrating love, with everyone.

I hope you find these ideas helpful. Remember, no effort goes to waste. Write a poem, sing a song, paint a picture or cook a meal. Do something that makes your people feel special!
I hope you choose to love your planet as much as your loved ones. Nevertheless, I wish you all have a great day with your special people. After all, they are the ones who add meaning to our lives. :)

Thank you for reading, guys.

XOXO
Kimaya