SEXY SUSTAINABLE
Top tips for gifting thoughtfully this Valentine’s Day
When it comes to showering your loved one with presents, it’s easy to get caught up in giving “stuff ”. However, as we collectively move toward a more sustainable future, it’s one place we could all slow down a little. This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to stop and think before giving. To help, we’ve enlisted some experts to share their top tips for gifting with the heart.
1 GO SLOW, NOT FAST
“If you’re thinking fashion, remember that the fast-fashion industry produces a 10th of the world’s total carbon emissions,” says SoL Cups founder Rebecca Veksler. “Slow fashion labels use materials made and marketed in a responsible way that takes its environmental and socioeconomic impacts into account.”
2 DROP THE WRAP
“Consider gifting in a tote, instead of in wrapping paper,” says Veksler. “Every year in Australia, we go through about 150,000km of wrapping paper. That’s enough to go around the whole of Australia six times.
3 STRIP DOWN
“Wrap yourself in your favourite matching lingerie set and voila, job done – you are the gift,“say Laura Moxon and Ebony Van Schaik, Souszy Lingerie founders.
4 SHOP LOCAL
“Make your purchase from a local label that offers ethically or sustainably made designs – there are so many like us offering great options,” advises Elk Clothing founder Marnie Goding. “Lastly consider the materials that the gift is made from. Choosing well made in natural or recycled materials [means it] will last, can be handed down or recycled at end of life.”
5 REUSE
“Don’t commit single-use sin this Valentine’s Day – buy something they can re-use,” suggests Veksler. “SoL cups and bottles make the perfect sustainable gift for your #SoLmate.”
6 TRY HOMEMADE
“They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – if you ask me, it’s the way to a woman’s heart, too – so stay in and gift them a delicious home-cooked meal,” says Veksler. “Just make sure you plan carefully to avoid food waste!”