Waste Not Want Not: Valentine's Day

People seem divided on Valentine's Day. Either it's an exciting time to remind your loved ones how much you care or it's an overly commercialised day that encourages us to buy things we don't need and often don't want.

I fall more into the latter camp, and believe the best way to show your love is to be present whilst respecting boundaries, know what's going on in other's lives, and be tuned into how they are feeling so that you can offer them what they really need, when they need it. Often easier said than done... but essentially being there, being present, is better than any physical present.

However, I'll probably still do something on Valentines Day because I'm horribly conditioned. A card for the hubby, WhatsApp messages to close friends and, if I'm sticking by my New Year's Resolution, rather than leave voice notes, I'll call someone I love and enjoy the benefits of a two-way conversation!

My Husband will probably feel that he's supposed to do flowers or chocolates, or maybe he'll suggest a meal out. It's this that led me to scrutinise the "usual gifts", to question their sustainability and make some suggestions for alternatives. I hope that this gives readers permission - not that it's needed, but sometimes it helps - to do things differently this year.

Flowers

Let's start with flowers, specifically roses. Have a quick look into people's gardens. I think you'll find there is not really an abundance of roses in bloom in the English Country Garden right now and that should be the clue as to whether or not they are a sustainable gift option.

"Every February, an estimated 570 tonnes of roses are shipped into the UK, according to Heathrow import figures." (RHS)

The obvious issue with this is the carbon footprint but more alarmingly the recent story of a exotic Tree Frog arriving in Sheffield in roses from Colombia, highlights how easily foreign species, including pests and disease, can be imported, undetected. "Invasive pests and diseases such as Ash Dieback and the Asian hornet have already arrived in the UK, causing huge problems for native wildlife."(RHS)

Instead, why not buy a beautiful pot of bulbs, like these Hyacinths from Bramble and Wild in Frome, for a loved one? The pot can be used long into the future and bulbs, if stored correctly, will bloom again. Also, I love flowers but you then need to find time to unwrap, arrange and ensure water level and cleanliness are maintained. The low maintenance of planted bulbs gets my vote!

Also in season: snowdrops, crocus, winter aconite, and daffodils.

Chocolate

The UK has a long tradition of chocolate consumption. "In 2022, globally, the country ranked 7th largest consumer of chocolate and 4th in Europe." (source)

The simple argument is we don't grow cacao here so we should think twice about consuming it. The reality is that one in six people in the UK eat chocolate every day! So maybe the argument there is that it's not a special treat anyway!

But if you do want to buy chocs for Valentine's, a great place to start would be local, artisan chocolatiers, so that you are at least supporting local businesses rather than global conglomerates. In Frome there is of course Choc et al. or for a hot chocolate try Harth made in Somerset. Why not make a little hamper gift with Harth hot chocolate and a bottle of milk from the Tytheringon Milk Station and some Ivy House Cream (or your nearest equivalents) for added indulgence. You could go one step further and buy a locally thrown ceramic mug and a hand whittled Welsh love spoon.

If you are of a creative and culinary ilk then why not make your own truffles, biscuits, muffins or brownies? For Christmas a friend gave me 6 homemade chocolate covered dates in a pretty tin. I refused to share them and I had one a day. It felt so indulgent and special.

Smellies

Bath products and candles are often well received but this is a category where the scale of quality is vast and it can be a bit overwhelming. As with everything look for small, artisan companies that are manufacturing locally so as to reduce your carbon footprint. Looking into their ingredients and packaging is also important... you'll find the companies that care about this make the information easily accessible via their website.

I tried to find a locally made perfume but the one I was thinking about (which smells gorgeous) is made using imported ingredients but is also currently sold out, so not much use for this Valentine's Day this year! However, I still applaud them for how geeky and transparent they are about their scents, so for the perfume enthusiast I'd still recommend having a look at Ffern.

For anyone that takes their skincare routine seriously have a look at Hibi which is sustainably focused and made in Frome. For a locally made, high quality candle try Self Care Company.

Given my focus is food, this isn't a category I know enough about so if you have any further suggestions please head on over to Instagram and let us know!

Meal for Two

Right, back in my comfort zone!

Eating out can be an absolute minefield and given the price tag these days, it's not something you want to get wrong.

My first suggestion would be to look for supper clubs happening locally because a 'pop up event' has the feeling of being a little bit special. The more they talk about sourcing their ingredients seasonally and locally, the better. If you aren't too fussed about dining out on Valentine's Day itself, you will give yourself more choice and also avoid the often twee/lovey-dovey unnecessarily themed items - good food already says "I love you" without having to be heart shaped... I'm just saying!

There are many sustainably focused restaurants that champion local, quality food producers. Think Root Wells, Osip near Bruton, The Pony at Chew Valley or The Pig near Bath.

And don't overlook the vineyard destinations becoming more common place in Somerset... the oldest being Wraxall Vineyard, recently refurbed to include The View - their appropriately named tasting and dining room that looks over the vines.  

Or how about a Gin workshop (Still Life Gin, Still Sisters) or a Wine and Cheese night (The Stores in Frome)... honestly there is so much to offer in and around Frome and I haven't really even covered the restaurants. You can read more about those here - What's on the Menu in Frome.

There is of course also the option to cook at home using high quality locally sourced ingredients. Look for meat and veg grown locally, using regenerative and/or organic practices. Have a read of Locally Sourced Christmas Meal for ideas... obviously not suggesting you have turkey on Valentines Day, but a useful read for finding local producers.

Talking of which my final suggestion is to buy food gift as an alternative to roses or chocs or smellies... how about a gorgeous jar of local honey, chutney or kimchi. Or even a book about food or farming?

Here in Somerset we are spoilt for choice for foodie ways to show your love. We can't wait to hear what you come up with.

LOVE YOU!