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How to Have a Sustainable Valentines Day

It’s that time of the year again! Valentine’s Day is a sweet way to show your significant other and your friends how much you care about them. All around the world people buy flowers, go out for dinner, and purchase silly gifts, but all that consumption can have negative impacts on the environment.

The SGA Environment and Sustainability Committee held an event in Hodges Library this week where they exemplified a Sustainable Valentines Day. They had heart shaped seed bombs for easy gardening, reusable straws, and herbs for planting! Many students stopped by to get information and pick up some sustainable goodies.

Emma Heins, the E&S co-chair explains why having this event was so successful and important. “It’s great because Valentine’s Day produces a lot of waste, and there are great alternatives that you can show your love for the earth, and your significant other as well!”

Will Shavers, the other the E&S co-chair shared that “It’s important to keep the Earth in mind while you are sharing the love on Valentines Day.” If you didn’t make it to the event, no worries! Check out our tips below for having your very own Sustainable Valentines Day!

Swap out store bought flowers for herbs! 

  • Store bought flowers can have a negative environmental impact due to their transportation costs and growing habits. Switch these gifts out for a herb that you can grow, keep then use for cooking! Check out this list of easy to grow herbs!

Go on a hike! 

  • Spending time outside with your friends or significant other is a great way to save energy in your home while doing a fun activity together. Hiking around Knoxville is accessible and fun! Outdoor Knoxville is a great resources for you to find amazing outdoor opportunities in Knoxville.

Head to a local restaurant! 

  • If you want to have a conventional date, check out Nourish Knoxville’s local food guide to see your options for sustainable meals. A favorite restaurant of ours is The Tomato Head, which partners with local farms to source their food and recycles everything they can!

Make a recycled Valentine’s Day Card

  • 1 billion Valentine’s Day Cards are exchanged each Valentines Day in the United States! That’s a lot of paper waste! Instead of buying a new card, check out these examples of recycled DIY Valentine’s Day Cards. 
  • Join UT Recycling in Hodges Library from 10:30-2:00pm on February 14th to make your own recycled card!

We hope you have an amazing Valentine’s Day filled with love for all the people in your life. Let’s also love the planet this day and keep in mind daily sustainability practices!