Be my ‘Green’ Valentine with an eco jute bag and groceries
Who knew a jute grocery bag could be romantic...
With Valentine’s Day on a weekend this year there may be a bit more love in the air. And with extravagant weekends to Bali off the table (if only COVID wasn’t a thing, right?) it’s a great opportunity to get behind our local businesses and have a green Valentine’s. Jess from Earth Worthy and Tessha from Port Grocer, a wholefoods community grocery store in Port Kembla, shared their ideas for a greener Valentine’s Day.
Jess Clark from Earth Worth prefers experiences and long-lasting gifts over ‘stuff’ that isn’t made to last and will end up in landfill.
“To be honest with you, when I think of Valentine’s Day the images that come to mind are of helium filled balloons and giant polyester teddies, but these are the last things I would want to receive! They are also items that, while well intended, do not have a long shelf life and yet are often made from long lasting plastic. And because they are made of plastic, they will live on in landfill for hundreds of years. Eek!”
“I like the idea of making someone feel special while loving the Earth too. I realise Valentine's Day is a Hallmark event, created to sell a few more cards, but it doesn’t mean we have to treat it that way today. I love the ideas of a picnic in a new spot we haven’t explored before or a delicious dinner.”
There are so many incredible beaches and bush tracks in and around the Illawarra and Port Grocer has all the delicious produce you need for the perfectly packed lunch of fresh sourdough, Tilba cheeses, locally grown chemical free veggies and sliced meats from their deli. Don’t forget dessert – grab a tub of Booch Bar gelato and some organic chocolates while you are there. Earth Worthy has some pretty stunning picnic blankets too. A special gift that will be used and loved for years to come. They also have a range of thoughtfully and locally designed eco bags stocked at Port Grocer, while their beautiful cushions and blankets are online and available for local pick up. All perfect for a Valentine picnic.
Tessha from Port Grocer, a community owned grocery store in Port Kembla suggested making and baking as the way to go. “Show someone you care, bake and cook for your Valentine. We have everything you need for baking a sweet treat available by weight so you can buy just what you need for the recipe, even choc chips! and if it all goes a bit pear shaped (see what I did there)… remember it’s the thought that counts.
Finally if you prefer to purchase a gift, purchase a gift that is made to last. Port Grocer is packed full of local gifts and produce. Port Grocer stocks a range of Earth Worthy bags that are designed locally and ethically made. They are also incredibly sustainable – made from natural fibres that are fast growing and replenish the soil rather than stripping it of nutrients – loving the Earth. There are also handmade re-usable makeup wipes, lush plastic free bath salts and soaps to pamper her, and practical eco friendly household items such as colourful wax wraps that are also locally made. And if all else fails or you simply can’t decide, a gift voucher will do the trick.
Earth Worthy is an Illawarra, NSW social enterprise and Port Grocer is a community owned supermarket in Port Kembla, both work to make a positive impact to people and the planet locally and globally. You can follow the work of both organisations on Instagram @earthworthy_ and @portgrocer