One thing we’ve learned at Postconsumers is this: Even if we don’t love how early marketing cycles start, we need to start promoting advice on how to overcome the consumer machine just as early as the marketers of the world are. That’s why you’re seeing an article about being a good, responsible postconsumer this Valentine’s Day on the Postconsumers Blog in January! It’s because as soon as the after Christmas sales are over, your local stores will be flooded with Valentine’s Day merchandise for you.
We love Valentine’s Day just as much as the next person. Despite the fact that the holiday was created as a way to boost retail sales, the idea of a day when we go out of our way to share love is a good thing. However, it can also be a wasteful thing. To that end, here are our three hottest tips for a postconsumer Valentine’s Day.
Hand-Make Your Gifts for Your Loved Ones
We think that there’s nothing wrong with giving actual gifts on Valentine’s Day, just like there’s nothing wrong with doing that on birthdays or winter holidays. If gifts are what make people happy, then that’s not a bad thing. What is a bad thing is buying more and more and more stuff just to have something to give as a gift. Unless you are purchasing something you know your recipient will love and treasure, consider handmade gifts. That includes not only crafts but making a meal, baking things, brewing your own beer or infusing your own vodka, cleaning your loved one’s house or car for them…the list of meaningful gifts that aren’t “stuff” is endless!
Attend Events Instead of Giving Gifts
Another alternative to buying Valentine’s Day “stuff” is to make your gift tickets or admission to an event. A play, concert, dinner out, sporting event or day at the museum are some common examples, but you can also get creative. Not only does this mean that you won’t be contributing to the continued creation of stuff, but you’ll also be creating memories. And you’ll be out there living in the moment and finding satisfaction!
Be Wary of Flowers!
Flowers are beautiful and great, but be aware of the carbon footprint you’re helping to create when you give flowers. It is unlikely that any of the flowers you are purchasing are locally grown, so they’ve been flown around the world to get to you. They’ve also probably incurred the use of pesticides as well. We’re not saying stay away from flowers, but we are saying that you should be aware and make your floral purchasing decision accordingly.
However you plan to celebrate it, approach your Valentine’s Day in making it about the expression of love, not about the expression of stuff! It may be ironic given that the holiday is designed to give you a reason to spend, but it’s certainly a better way to live!
We’d love it if you wished us a happy (Pre)Valentine’s Day! Like us on Facebook to share the love!
