Green flags in love: sustainable ways to swipe right

Have you ever been on a date that seemed perfect… until a little thing gave you pause? We all know the classic green flags in love, but what about green flags in sustainability? This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate partners (and self-love) who care about the planet as much as they care about romance. Here are some sweet, eco-friendly ways to spot – or be – a green-flagged Valentine.

• Shop at refill stations – Reducing plastic packaging is a small step, but a huge heart-eye emoji moment.
• Make it from scratch – Cooking together is romantic and zero-waste-friendly.
• Compost dinner scraps – Turning leftovers into soil? Love that.
• Gift (or read) a second-hand book – Sharing a favourite story is thoughtful, sustainable, and a little flirty.
• Find ethical chocolate – Searching for sustainable chocolate in your favourite flavours shows thoughtfulness, care, and a commitment to cocoa farmers. Sweet in every sense.
• Go on a charity shop shopping date – Hunting for hidden gems together is playful, thrifty, and eco-friendly. Bonus: it doubles as a treasure hunt for your perfect Valentine.

• Buy vegan chocolates – Plant-based treats are better for the planet (and just as indulgent). Loving someone’s ethics never tasted so sweet.
• Use public transport – Taking the bus, train, or bike to a date shows they care about reducing their carbon footprint – and you get more quality time together.
• Feed the bees – Stopping to refill a bee feeder or plant pollinator-friendly flowers during a Valentine’s Day walk is a small gesture with a huge heart.
• Buy DVDs and local food – Picking up a movie from a charity shop and sourcing local ingredients for a cozy indoor date is both sustainable and romantic.
• Choose flowers wrapped in paper – A beautiful bouquet is even better when it’s free of plastic. Eco-friendly florals show that love and the planet matter.
• Handmake Valentine’s cards – Crafting a card together, or receiving one made with love, keeps gifts personal, memorable, and zero-waste.
• Use recyclable or reused wrapping paper – Wrapping presents sustainably shows that love isn’t about excess – it’s about thoughtfulness.
• Gift experiences instead of stuff – From cooking classes to museum trips, giving experiences over things avoids over-consumption, and creates memories that last longer than material gifts.
• Feed birds during winter – Sharing a quiet moment watching wildlife together is a sweet, mindful way to enjoy nature with your Valentine.
• Enjoy a plant-based Valentine’s meal – A romantic meal that’s good for you and the planet? Now that’s a green flag worth celebrating.

Thanks to the Environment and Sustainability Working Group for these brilliant green-flag ideas! This Valentine’s Day, remember that the best love is kind – to you, your partner, and the planet.