Say I love you without the carbon footprint

Valentine's Day is a time to show love and appreciation, but many traditional gifts like flowers, chocolates, and mass-produced trinkets can have a significant environmental impact. 

This year, consider making eco-conscious choices that align with your values and support local businesses on the Sunshine Coast.

Check out these thoughtful, sustainable alternatives that celebrate love - long time.

1. Swap - imported roses for local seasonal flowers

The Sunshine Coast is home to many boutique flower growers who focus on environmentally friendly farming practices, such as using organic methods and minimising packaging. Some local farms even offer sustainable flower delivery services.

Imported flowers, like roses, often travel thousands of kilometers in refrigerated trucks or planes, emitting large amounts of carbon. In fact, a single bunch of roses flown from overseas can contribute over 5 kg of CO2 to the atmosphere.

Sunshine Coast Flower Growers

Here are just some of the local flower growers ready to help you say 'I love you' this Valentine's Day. 

If you're a local flower grower selling to the public, reach out to the Living Smart team and we'll pop you on the list

• Bamboo Park Tropical nursery and farm shop offering pick-your-own flower bunches.
  Location: Valdora/Yandina Creek. 
• Eumundi Roses David Austin and Vintage Roses in every colour a rose can perform.
  Location: Eumundi
• Farlow's Floriculture offers fresh-cut flowers directly to the public by pre-order and appointment at their farm gate studio.
  Location: Bells Creek
• Herb meets Fleur Micro organic flower farm and sustainable florist based in Maleny. seasonal gift bouquets and arrangements for all occasions. Seasonal buckets of flowers for customers to DIY their own arrangements
  Location: Maleny
• Rosemount Flower Farm has been growing Gerberas and greenery on the Sunshine Coast for 22+ years.
  Location: Rosemount
• Woods Goods Flower Farm is a local family-run Farm in Ninderry. Their flower farm is not just a place where beautiful blooms grow; it's a haven of sustainability, permaculture, and soil health.
  Location: Ninderry 218 Ninderry Road
• Australian Bouquet Company offers dried and fresh bouquets using locally grown and Australian native foliage. Bouquets are hand-tied by their in-house florist.
  Location: West-Woombye
• Vase Life is a sustainable florist specialising in seasonal, Australian grown flowers delivered on the Sunshine Coast. 
  Location: Sunshine Coast delivery, pickup options in Nambour and Burnside
• Woods Goods Flower Farm is a local family-run Farm. They only grow what is in season and does best in the Sunshine Coast climate and soils. 
• Maleny Dahlias micro flower farm specialising in Dahlia's.
  Location: Maleny

2. Fabric Flowers: A Forever Gift

For something truly unique, why not gift fabric flowers? These durable, long-lasting blooms can be handmade from eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, or upcycled materials. Fabric flowers are an ideal choice for anyone looking for an alternative to traditional cut flowers, as they don't wilt and can last for years.

You can even find DIY kits to create your own fabric flowers. This adds a personal touch, and the recipient will appreciate the time and care you put into making them.

Check out: EcoChic Creations or local craft stores in Maleny and Noosa, where you can find sustainable fabric flower options.

3. Home-cooked Meals: A Recipe for Love

Create a sustainable ValentineDay dinner using locally grown produce, meats, and seafood.

Roasted Sunshine Coast Sweet Potatoes with Macadamia Pesto

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup macadamia nuts
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.

2. Slice the sweet potatoes into thick rounds, season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25 minutes or until tender.

3. For the pesto, blend macadamia nuts, basil, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.

4. Serve the roasted sweet potatoes drizzled with the macadamia pesto and enjoy a hearty, local, and sustainable meal.

Pair it with a locally sourced bottle of wine from the Sunshine Coast hinterland, such as a Chardonnay or a Shiraz, to keep your celebration local and sustainable.

4. Local Experiences: Memories Over Material Things

Instead of gifting material items, why not give the gift of an experience? 

Find more ideas at Visit Sunshine Coast  we've popped a few below to get the ball rolling.

• A sunset kayak tour 
• A rainforest walk in the Hinterland
• A wine-tasting tour at one of the many local wineries 
• A workshop on pottery, painting, or cooking, hosted by local artists or artisans

5. Handcrafted Local Gifts

Consider giving a unique handcrafted item made by a local artisan. Local crafts such as pottery, jewelry, or handmade candles can be a much more meaningful and sustainable gift option. 

Check out: Caloundra Regional Gallery for locally handmade wares or local markets where you can find eco-friendly crafts and artwork made by talented local artisans.

6. Sustainable Packaging: Wrap It Right

No matter how sustainable your gift is, wrapping it in plastic or foil-based gift wrap can still harm the environment. 

Opt for eco-friendly packaging materials such as recycled paper, fabric scraps, or reusable gift bags. You can even make your own wrapping using old newspaper or maps for a truly unique touch.

The Environmental Impact of ValentineDay

The carbon footprint of imported flowers can be significant. If you're giving flowers, be mindful of where they come from. If they've traveled a long distance or were grown using harmful pesticides, they have a much higher environmental impact.

Plastic Waste: Many gifts, especially toys, jewelry, and even chocolates, are wrapped in single-use plastic. Opt for gifts with minimal or no plastic packaging, or better yet, give an experience instead.

Local Over Global: Supporting local businesses not only reduces the environmental impact of shipping and transportation but helps build a resilient local economy. Ita great way to show love for your partner and the planet at the same time.