THE SUSTAINABLE EITHICAL FLORISTS LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH VALENTINES DAY
- hannahslaymaker
- Feb 2, 2024
- 2 min read

Valentine's Day – a day of romance, chocolates, and of course, flowers. As a sustainable ethical florist, I have a conflicting relationship with this holiday. On one hand, it's a celebration of love and affection, a day when people express their feelings through thoughtful gestures. On the other hand, it often feels like a commercialized frenzy that contradicts the values I hold dear.
Let me elaborate on why I have this love-hate relationship with Valentine's Day.
Love: Celebrating Love and Connection
Valentine's Day is undeniably a beautiful occasion to celebrate love and connection. It's a day when people express their feelings openly, gifting flowers as a symbol of affection and appreciation. As a florist, I am privileged to play a part in helping individuals convey their emotions through the language of flowers.
Hate: The Commercialisation of Love
However, Valentine's Day has also become synonymous with excessive consumerism and commercialization. The pressure to buy extravagant gifts often overshadows the true essence of love and intimacy. As a sustainable ethical florist, I cringe at the thought of contributing to this culture of excess and waste.
Despite my reservations, I cannot deny the joy and warmth that Valentine's Day brings to many people. It's a day when hearts are filled with love, and gestures, no matter how small, can make a significant impact. However, I believe it's essential to approach this day with mindfulness and intentionality, focusing on meaningful connections rather than materialistic displays.
As a sustainable ethical florist, I strive to promote conscious consumption and environmental responsibility in every aspect of my business. This means sourcing flowers responsibly, minimizing waste, and encouraging customers to consider the environmental and social impact of their purchases.
This Valentine's Day, I invite you to join me in redefining the celebration of love. Let's prioritise authenticity, thoughtfulness, and sustainability in our gestures, ensuring that our expressions of love resonate not only with our hearts but also with the planet we call home. Together, we can make every day a celebration of love, respect, and kindness – not just on February 14th.
"Choose to say 'I love you' not only on Valentine's Day, but every week, two weeks, or month with the Friday Flower Round by Iberis, spreading love across Northamptonshire, one bloom at a time."
With Love from Iberis x
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