J&B Recycling Knowledge

Love the planet this Valentine’s Day: JB Recycling

Valentine’s Day, celebrated worldwide as a day of love, has an often-overlooked victim: our planet. In the UK alone, the holiday generates over £1.3 billion in spending resulting in an alarming amount of waste and carbon emissions. But don’t worry, we have tips for you to be more conscious on how you spoil your loved one, without reducing the significance.

Be mindful of the gifts you buy:

Cards

Just like at Christmas, Valentine’s Day is all about exchanging cards to show love and appreciation. But what many don’t realise is that these cards often end up in landfill, even though most could be recycled - unless, of course, they’re kept as keepsakes. When buying cards, it’s worth checking for things like glitter or charms (googly eyes), as these can’t be recycled. If you do end up with a card like that, just remove the decorations before putting it in the recycling bin.

Chocolate

The chocolate industry has an unpleasant side, including child labour, poverty wages, and links with deforestation through use of palm oil. With over 58 million pounds of chocolate purchased in the seven days leading up to February 14th, it is important to ask yourself what exactly is behind that sweet treat you’re buying for your valentine.

But the good news is there are lots of brands doing things differently, including value-added-at-source chocolate, fair trade chocolate. Just look for the symbol below on the packaging.

Flowers

Flowers are one of the easiest Valentine’s Day gifts to give - they’re widely available, often affordable, and feel like a thoughtful gesture. But have you ever considered the environmental impact behind that bouquet? From the carbon footprint of growing, transporting, and refrigerating them to the plastic wrapping they often come in, fresh flowers can leave a lasting mark on the planet long after they’ve wilted.

A more sustainable alternative is gifting a potted plant. Unlike cut flowers, they continue to thrive well beyond Valentine’s Day, serving as a lasting symbol of your love. Low-maintenance options like succulents, peace lilies, or even edible herbs like basil or thyme add beauty to a space while reducing waste. Plus, they can be repotted, shared, and enjoyed for years to come - making them a gift that truly keeps on giving. And when it's time to upgrade or replace your plant, remember to re-use the pot instead of throwing it out!

Experiences Over Things

One of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day sustainably is to prioritise experiences over material gifts. Not only do these create lasting memories, but they also help reduce waste and consumption. Instead of rushing to buy the latest trend, consider how you can spend quality time together, making meaningful moments that will be cherished long after the day is over.

Cooking a meal at home can be a cost efficient, easy and environmentally conscious alternative to going out for a meal. Buying responsibly from local shops and farms is also a great way to support your local community.

If you’re both nature lovers, take advantage of the outdoors by planning a scenic walk or hike together. Whether it’s through a local park, along a nature trail, or by the sea, it’s a simple yet rewarding way to connect with one another and with nature.

Another great idea is to sign up for a workshop or class that you can enjoy as a couple. There are plenty of fun options to explore, such as pottery, cooking, or painting classes. Learning something new together can be a great experience.