By Layla Roy
As Valentine’s Day approaches, love isn’t the only thing on everyone’s mind. Consumerism also fills the air this holiday.
Every February, many Americans feel obligated to buy all kinds of material gifts for their loved ones. From chocolates to roses to stuffed animals, these tokens of affection are incredibly accessible to the average consumer as they are stocked in nearly every drugstore or home furnishing store for the duration of the month. Because of this, retailers are able to extensively profit from Valentine’s Day.
The National Retail Federation predicts that shoppers will collectively spend $24.7 billion this Valentine’s Day. But the substantial cost associated with this holiday may come with serious ethical consequences.
Inside each heart-shaped box of chocolates often lies confections made with palm oil, which, when harvested unsustainably, gives rise to deforestation and loss of wildlife habitat. Farming for cacao, an ingredient in chocolate, has comparable environmental consequences, as do the resources that go into producing the boxes.
Similarly, the 145 million Valentine’s cards sold in the United States yearly are typically produced from unrecyclable materials. Diamond jewelry requires a mining process that leads to soil erosion, deforestation, and water pollution. Not to mention, numerous metal and gemstone mining processes have been the source of human rights injustices. Even roses prove environmentally unfriendly given the emissions needed to transport them and keep them refrigerated.
Although the ethical implications of these goods can be applied to any purchase year-round, the mass consumerism during Valentine’s Day exacerbates the problem. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, over 40 million people buy unnecessary and unwanted gifts that are likely to end up in landfills.
Gift-giving may seem like a loving gesture, but this year, consider whether splurging on conventional items for your significant other is worth your time and money, let alone the environmental and social toll.
This doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy Valentine’s Day. In fact, by avoiding consumerism, you may find more pleasure in this Hallmark holiday. If you insist on getting your loved one a gift, try buying something thoughtful, original, and specific to the recipient. A personalized gift will likely show your appreciation better than a generic stuffed Teddy Bear.
Another great way to display your devotion without ethical concerns is by offering your partner an experience. Planning an afternoon at your favorite park or a visit to your local museum is meaningful and will allow you to spend quality time with your loved one, which can even improve your relationship.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to make something yourself, such as a baked good, a home-cooked meal, or a thoughtful handcrafted card. Valentine’s Day, although perhaps rooted in consumerism, can still be treated as a celebration of love if we truly show compassion for one another and our planet.