by Amy Szkorla
Valentine's Day is right around the corner and you know what that means: a lot of what my father would call "stimulating the economy."
Each year since 2004, the average amount spent per individual each Valentine's Day has been steadily climbing.
The National Retail Federation estimates that spending will reach an unbelievable total of 27.4 billion dollars this year, a 32% increase from 2019. And while a teddy bear the size of the average 6 year old does seem like a fun gift, that bear (along with the money you spent on it) will likely end up in the landfill.
That being said, here are some ways to practice sustainability this valentine's day, both your wallet and the planet will thank you.
1) Skip the new outfits: as great as it feels to wear something fresh and exciting on your date with your significant other, there's a good chance that new outfit will spend the other 364 days of the year untouched in your closet. If you want to freshen up your look for Valentine's Day, consider buying secondhand, or simply purchasing one small item instead of an entirely new outfit!
2) Speaking of clothing, if you're searching for a gift idea for a loved one, try DIY! Personalized gifts can sometimes be even more special than purchased ones. Try upgrading a thrifted jean jacket or custom printing a sweater! Here is some inspiration for a super cool jacket upgrade (http://sustainabledaisy.com/goodwill-jean-jacket-upcycle-diy/) and my number one secret for making cool, unique items... transfer paper! (https://www.michaels.com/transfer-paper-light-dark/10274074.html)
3) Instead of gifting a material item, gift an experience. Try Groupon or Airbnb Experiences for deals on Wine and Paint nights, massages, and cooking classes. How romantic!
4) Compost those flowers! Once Valentine's Day has come and past, instead of dumping those roses in the landfill, why not compost them? Lots of apartment complexes have composting programs, and Norris is establishing them as well.
5) Make sure to recycle that empty candy container. Each city has its own standards for recycling, here is Evanston's! https://www.cityofevanston.org/home/showdocument?id=3506
“Valentine's Day.” NRF, 2020, nrf.com/insights/holiday-and-seasonal-trends/valentines-day.