Valentine’s Day is Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026

Americans will spend more than $17 billion on Valentine’s Day (second to Christmas) from dining out, roses, chocolates to intimates. It’s a loving event – that’s cool – but, let’s face it, there’s a lot of wrappers, packaging, plastic, decorations and other stuff left behind.

Here’s a list of sustainable ways to celebrate your love.

Valentine trinkets, decorations—Make your own
With a little flour, water, salt and paint, make your own eco-decorations to share with the ones you love.

Valentine cards—Make your own or go digital
Make your own from found materials or use e-cards instead of “store-bought” that might wind up in the landfill.

Chocolate
Choose fair trade, organic chocolate bars from our local grocery markets, or find local handmade, artisan treats from our local sweet shops. Treehugger explains why fair trade is important.

Flowers
Pickup a potted plant from a local garden shop, an organic bouquet or locally grown orchids from a Farmers’ Market. If you want red roses, buy organic and naturally fragrant from our local florists. Many commercial roses are imported and have artificial fragrance.

Jewelry & Handmade gifts
Shop local, shop locally made. Check out the Eco831 Marketplace or find local artisans on Etsy–select a category and then a location to find unique gifts from our local artists and craftspeople.

Play outside
Getting out in nature together is a perfect setting to connect—romantic or otherwise and a yummy picnic makes it even better. Enjoy a walk on the beach or hang out in the redwoods, just recreate responsibly.

Savor a local wine
Our wine tasting rooms are temporarily closed but its a good time to seek out a special wine from a local winery. The Monterey Bay region is esteemed worldwide for delicious wine. Make a special moment and savor Valentine’s Day by making your own wine tasting event.

Delectable edibles
Make something tasty for a Valentine gift… without red dye—use organic strawberry jam for added flavor and color.

Love dogs (and cats)
Many of us are fortunate to have love dogs in our lives. To show your dog friend the love, go for a walk, to a dog park, or head for a dog-friendly beach (BYO doggie bag and don’t let them chase the birds). If you’re looking for dog treats or toys, try our locally owned pet shops and buy organic, natural products. Don’t have a love pet? True love might be waiting for you—adopt!

Make a gift
Easy and fun. Show your love by making your own gifts—lots of ideas on the web. Shop from local Garden shops & nurseries for “growies”, shop from local second hand stores for special treasures.

Share a meal
Make cooking and eating together part of your celebration. Take a trip together to your local Farmer’s Market and plan your feast around what’s fresh and in season. Or, order your take-out from your favorite eatery. Many will be offering special Valentine’s Day treats.

Images:
Hearts: “Simply Love” by Mamjodh, Creative Commons
Decorations: “Heart with metal loop for hanging” by Elin, Creative Commons
Red rose: “Red-Rose-Drops” by Chris, Creative Commons
Cards: “a pair and a spare printable valentines cards” by Geneva Vanderzell Creative Commons
Chocolates: “Chocolate Chantilly Truffles” by Steph, Creativy Commons
Orchids: “Orchid” by Doug Brown, Creative Commons
Romantic getaway: “love” by zelah_w, Creative Commons
Outside: “Elizabeth on Big Basin State Park Timms Creek Trail” by Miguel Viera, Creative Commons
Wine: “Wine Tasting Contest in Shenzhen” by noviceromano, Creative Commons
Cookies: “Valentine cookies” by Cyndy Gunderson, Creative Commons
Love dogs: “Valentine Pug” by daPuglet Pugs, Creative Commons
Gifts: “DIY Succulent Gift 6” by Geneva Vanderzell, Creative Commons

Eco-guide to living lighter

February Eco-Challenge: Valentine’s Day & 10 Eco Ways to Celebrate Love

February Eco-Challenge: Valentine’s Day & 10 Eco Ways to Celebrate Love

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