Spread the love for Santes Dwynwen & Valentines Day

15 Jan 2010

As Dydd Santes Dwynwen and Valentine’s Day approach, many romantics across Wales will be sending cards and buying gifts for their loved ones.

This year Waste Awareness Wales, is encouraging couples to show they care with some old fashioned romance to help save money and the environment.

Rather than extravagantly wrapped bouquets of flowers and over-packaged chocolates, Waste Awareness Wales has suggested some ways to spoil your beau without generating piles of rubbish.

Rachel Jowitt , Head of Waste Awareness Wales said, "Romantic and thoughtful gifts don’t need to cost the earth so why not try thinking outside the box this year to help reduce what you spend, and ultimately reduce the waste you produce.

"If you don’t fancy sending an e-card and you want to buy a card, try to choose one that’s made from recycled paper. It should tell you on the back of the card.

"Why not treat your loved one to a ‘waste-free’ gift such as a surprise day out, tickets to see a band or a show or a romantic walk in the countryside.

"If you want to show off your culinary skills, find your way to your lover’s heart by cooking them their favourite meal at home. You’ll be spending less and saying more by creating your own feast for two.

"Another novel idea is to write your own love tokens with promises of a relaxing massage or breakfast in bed every day for a week.

"Your gift of love needn’t cost the earth. By giving a little consideration to the environmental impact of what we buy for our loved ones, we can show that we not only care for them but also our planet."

Here are some ways to show your love for the environment when thinking about a gift for your loved one:  

• For a green-alternative to a shop-bought card, buy one made from recycled paper, or for the personal touch, try making your own.
  
  
• Other eco-friendly gifts such as recycled glass hearts can be found at www.greenglassmountain.com
  
  
• If you’re buying chocolates, try to avoid those that are excessively packaged, or even better, try making your own at home.
  
  
• A bunch of flowers is one of the most traditional ways of showing your love on Santes Dwynen or Valentine’s Day - so pick the best of the bunch by buying local to reduce the packaging and transport miles associated with those delivered from online florists.
  
  
• Although flowers can be composted, for a longer-lasting alternative, go for a pretty plant such as a mini rose bush or an orchid that will keep on growing.
  
  
• Be creative and think of ways to impress your valentine such as cooking a meal at home or baking their favourite cake. And don’t forget to recycle or compost any leftovers!
  
  
• Other waste-free gift ideas could include a weekend away, a trip to the cinema, a romantic walk along the coast or tickets to see a show.
  
  
• Take a look at Oxfam’s unwrapped scheme for an imaginative and ethical way to spread the love: www.oxfam.org.uk/unwrapped
  
  
• Instead of buying a CD wrapped in plastic packaging, how about an online gift token where they can download the album for their MP3 player instead?