Cupid may shoot greener arrows this year

Did you know that 145 million cards are sold for Valentine’s Day in the US alone every year – that’s nearly one for every citizen? I’ve never sent one and it’s a custom that’s never really landed in the Netherlands. I did mail Christmas cards for a while but that practice has long faded. On special occasions, I prefer spending time with people.

Card manufacturer Hallmark’s portfolio contains more than 1 400 different Valentine’s Day offerings. I find that hard to imagine. Fun fact: the world’s oldest Valentine’s Day card dates back to 1790 and was sold by Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire in 2019 for no less than £7 200 (EUR 8 540).

The lovers’ holiday is big business with Americans spending almost US$ 20 billion (EUR 17.5 billion) a year. Besides writing messages of adoration, many couples exchange expensive gifts averaging US$ 150. Perfume, clothing, jewellery, a new (smart) watch, you name it.

If you ask me, grand gestures aren’t synonymous with a hefty price tag. I’d take a smile, kiss and some flowers any day of the week (OK, throw in some chocolate – I’ll allow it.) Love is about paying attention and being there for each other consistently. Or maybe I’m just a romantic?

Let’s look at this love-or-hate-it day from a waste management perspective. Modern cards contain a variety of coatings, stickers, glitter and small LED lights, batteries or electronic components to play songs. The bulk is still paper, which is easy enough to recycle if you can separate it from the rest.

If you’re creative, it’s also possible to craft a custom 3D card from recycled materials. I’ll add a list of ideas for your inspiration. Calligraphy can give anything an extra flourish, especially if you use multi-coloured ink. Alternatively, you can use words as a design tool by shaping them into a pattern.

A wonderful example of this style is framed in the hallway of my aunt and uncle’s house. It is a love letter created by one of our ancestors back in 1734 (see photo above). Our family was lucky to inherit it and share the tender story of their courtship with the following generations.

That’s the power of love.

Anyone can buy anything in the shops so why not put in the extra effort to catch someone’s attention? In my opinion, your time is the best gift for someone who’s special to you. So let’s seize the moment and not waste it.