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01.30.25

Break Up With Plastic This Valentine's Day

Roses are red, violets are blue, love is forever, but plastic is too. 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Most single-use plastic packaging used for candy, flower bouquets, and cards is designed to be used just once but lasts forever after they are thrown away. This February 14, let’s show our loved ones and the ocean how much we love them by reducing as much unnecessary single-use plastic and waste as possible. 

Here are a few ways to reduce your plastic footprint this Valentine's Day:

Flowers

Many flower bouquets are wrapped in plastic. Let your love grow by using as little plastic as possible:

  • A potted plant or succulent may be a better plastic-free option. It’ll last longer too!
  • If you need a pot or container for a plant, buy something second-hand or use an old jar or mug from your home. 
  • Consider foraging for wildflowers to create a hand-picked bouquet.
  • Have plants at home already? Try propagating them, and gifting the propagated plant. Not only is this option free, but it is very thoughtful and personalized. 
  • When possible, choose local florists that source their flowers within the state. Learn more about native plants in your area! 

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Cards

Most store-bought cards contain glitter, foil, or plastic add-ons that make them hard to recycle and harmful to the environment. Tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them without using unnecessary plastic: 

  • Tap into your creative side and consider making your card from scrap paper. Use markers, crayons, colored pencils, or pens - whatever you have at home to add some color. It’ll be one-of-a-kind and recyclable!
  • Write a heartfelt note on notebook paper. 
  • To spruce up your handmade notes, add magazine clippings, drawings, or dried plants. Whatever you can find!
  • If you want to minimize your use of paper, create a virtual card using Canva, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs.

valentines day

Treats

Millions of candies are bought in the U.S. on Valentine's Day every year. Make your gift sweeter by skipping plastic packaging:  

  • Make homemade treats like cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, cakes, or biscuits instead of buying candy.
  • If you need to buy candy, opt for those wrapped in cardboard or aluminum foil.
  • Gift baked goods from your favorite local bakery (bonus points if they are an Ocean Friendly Restaurant!)

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Gifts

Is your special someone a friend of the ocean? Give the gift of clean water, healthy beaches, and sustainable items:

  • Give the gift of a Surfrider membership by making a donation in your loved one's name!
  • Check out Surfrider’s store where 100% of the profits go towards protecting the ocean, waves, and beaches for all. 
  • Support your loved ones to go plastic-free! Reusable metal, glass, or ceramic water bottles, travel mugs, utensils, and straws are plastic-free gifts that keep giving back.
  • Shop local, secondhand, or at zero-waste sites that are dedicated to shipping with minimal packaging.

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Date Night

The best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is to spend quality time with the ones you love. Here are some fun date night ideas that don’t require any single-use plastic: 

  • Plan a picnic on the beach or at your local park. Remember if you order takeout, bring your own reusable container and cutlery, and opt out of receiving single-use accessory items from the restaurant.
  • Want to go out to eat? Find an Ocean Friendly Restaurant near you. You can feel better knowing these restaurants don’t use unnecessary single-use plastic.
  • Stay in and host a movie or date night. If you want to celebrate with a bottle of wine, The Beach Rosé or SEAGLASS Wine are great options! Both brands are longtime supporters of Surfrider.