Written by Orla Lavery in Essentials on the 3rd February 2022

From B Corp brands with leading green credentials, to sustainable alternatives to industrially farmed flowers. Whomever you’re gifting to this Valentine’s; your significant other, or your significant self, this guide takes you through some of the top picks for giving with a clear conscience.

Handmade Paper Icelandic Poppies

Every year, it is estimated that over 250 million roses are produced for Valentine’s Day, emitting over 360,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions for transport alone. These handmade paper Icelandic poppies are an excellent and aesthetic alternative to short-lived bouquets, as seen on @theindiaedit. Artisan silk flowers and dried bouquets are also great alternatives to fresh flowers. 

etsy.com

NETTE Candle in Laide Tomate 

Founded by Carol Han Pyle, NETTE has been built on the ethos of sustainable and clean production with a high-quality and lasting product. The candles are made from non-toxic coconut soy wax with organic cotton wicks that are GOTS-certified. The packaging is made from 100% recycled shoeboxes and printed with seaweed ink. Beyond their clean credentials, NETTE’s candles smell fantastic. The Laide Tomate is one of my personal favourites, with top notes of violet leaf, cucumber and citrus, balanced with basil and ylang ylang base, this fresh scent permeates any space with a rich, lasting fragrance. 

selfridges.com

Heart of Darkness, Fragrance Edition by Timothy Han 

Timothy Han’s line of seasonal small-batch fragrances use 100% vegan and natural ingredients to create bold and unique “sensory stories”. The scents are released in small production runs, with each fragrance inspired and named after literary classics. ‘Heart of Darkness’, which you might also recognise as Joseph Conrad’s seminal novel, is full of watery green floral notes, dark wood and damp moss. 

timothyhanedition.com

‘Let My People Go Surfing’ by Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard 

For gifting to the already well-informed suitor, or for one who could use a little more information on the topic of sustainability. Reading the founder of Patagonia’s book was like striking a match on my climate conscience. Better yet, to gift in kindle or audiobook form. 

patagonia.com

Octopus Kiss’ Staniel Swim Short from Love Brand & Co. 

If your partner, or you, are hankering for warmer climes, Love Brand & Co.’s Octopus kiss swim shorts make an excellent Valentine’s gift as we tip-toe towards the spring and summer months. Since its conception in 2010, Love Brand & Co. has been dedicated to protecting endangered wildlife, working closely with environmental charity partners, and using sustainable materials throughout their collections. These swim shorts are made from 100% recycled plastic, in a soft quick-dry fabric that is woven and manufactured in Spain. 

lovebrand.com

‘The Starter’ Gift Bundle from Pangaia 

Pangaia’s navy organic cotton tee and ocean bottle, made from 100% recycled stainless steel; ocean-bound plastic; and silicone, is a great gift for cleaner giving. Every sale of one of Pangaia’s Ocean Bottles donates 20% of its revenue to plastic collection, which funds the removal of 11.4kgs of plastic, the equivalent to 1000 plastic bottles. This year, Pangaia’s ‘give a tree’ initiative encourages customers to ‘add tree credits’ to their cart/gift purchase as an alternative and sustainable nod to traditional flower-giving. 

thepangaia.com

Davines’ LOVE Smoothing Trio 

Having achieved B Corp certification in 2016, Davines has 100% carbon neutral offices and provides support to its suppliers and customers in their journey towards more sustainable ways of doing business. The ‘LOVE’ collection is one of Davines’ best-selling haircare lines and makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift, in 100% recyclable packaging. 

luxuriouslook.co.uk

Casa Raki’s Elegant and Ecological Linens 

Argentinean-born fashion photographer Josefina Alazraki Theo founded Casa Raki in 2018 with a strong focus on sustainability. The brand is dedicated to raising awareness for some of the most unique ecosystems and organic phenomena in South America. The latest resort collection is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic linen from Belgium, purportedly one of the most sustainable fabrics on the planet. The elegant, clean lines in casual, loose linen make these the perfect pieces for an easy day-to-night transition. 

casaraki.com

Immaterial Gifting 

If you can muster the time (and energy), one of the most sustainable forms of giving, is the art of giving nothing. Gifting an experience, an online magazine or wellbeing subscription are great alternatives, or trying a new plant-based recipe for your partner – I love @mississippivegan and the @deliciouslyella (of course!) for plant-based cooking inspiration.

Handmade Paper Icelandic Poppies, NETTE Candle in Laide Tomate, Heart of Darkness by Timothy Han, and Davines’ LOVE Smoothing Trio are included in our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide For Her 2022.