3 Tips to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Sustainably
Valentine’s Day is all about honoring the ones we love, but it’s often overshadowed by mass-produced gifts like balloons, gift baskets, stuffed animals, and flowers that quickly lose their charm and end up in landfills. This year, why not embrace more sustainable, locally sourced alternatives? Here are three simple suggestions for a more meaningful celebration: gift experiences (over ‘things’), support local, and dine sustainably.
For those based in Maryland, we hope you enjoy our recommendations on our teams’ favorite spots.
1. Experiences Over Items. Rather than buying material goods, gift an experience that encourages connecting with your loved ones.
- Hiking: Maryland is home to many beautiful parks like Patapsco Valley State Park. Or walk on the scenic bridge over the Great Falls Overlook via Billy Goat and Canal Trail near Potomac, both are perfect for a scenic hike.
- Cooking or Crafting Classes: Grab your sous chef and sign up for a cooking class at Baltimore Chef Shop in Hampden, or test out your skills with woodworking or candle-making abilities at Tool Library in the city.
- Wine Tasting or Local Breweries: Support locals while sipping on Maryland wine at the scenic Black Ankle Vineyards in Mt. Airy or Old Westminster Winery. Or, if beer is your drink of choice, we highly recommend Farmacy Brewing in Reisterstown, Inverness Brewing in Monkton, Diamond Back Beer in Timonium or Locust Point, and Big Truck Farm Brewing in Queenstown or Parkton.
2. Support Small, Local Maryland Shops. If you’re looking for a more traditional gift, find unique offerings by supporting small and local businesses.
- Handmade Gifts: Instead of purchasing mass-produced items, consider buying locally handmade products from Maryland artisans. You can find ceramics, jewelry, and artwork at local markets or craft fairs like the Greater Goods Valentine’s Market at R.House in Baltimore City.
- Shop Small, Local Boutiques: Find the perfect personalized gifts at Cultivated in Westminster, Becket Hitch in Timonium, or Southern Sol Shoppe in White Hall.
- Support a Local Nursery: Rather than ordering costly roses that may have traveled halfway across the world, look for long-lasting potted plants. Check out places like Kingsdene Nursery & Garden Center in Monkton or B.Willow in Baltimore City.
3. . Enjoy a candlelight dinner that features local, seasonal products, or take a quick trip to a local creamery.
- Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Maryland is known for its delicious seafood, but many restaurants focus on local, sustainable food sources. Try Woodberry Kitchen or Foraged in Baltimore, The Local in Fallston and White Marsh, or Friendly Farm Restaurant in Sparks.
- Best Ice Cream Spots: It’s never too cold for ice cream, right? We love the unique flavors at Taharka Brothers and pints may be sold in a store near you! Other favorites are BMore Licks in Baltimore City or Jarrettsville Creamery in Baltimore County. If you prefer candies and chocolates Candy Kitchen in Ocean City is a great spot!
We wish you a lovely Valentine’s Day.
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