Ethical Valentine’s Day Round-Up!

It’s that time of year again – love is in the air, red cards are everywhere and terrifyingly large teddy bears are making their annual appearance in a supermarket near you. If you’re looking for a less scary, more ethical hint to drop a loved one (or gift to give yourself, because every day should be self-love day) then sit back and enjoy this round-up of the very best sustainable love tokens out there.

Delilah Devine

We love these light-as-a-feather white boat earrings from South Australia maker Linda Marek, whose Delilah Devine range is crafted in the Adelaide Hills. Made of Australian hoop pine, these gorgeous numbers are hand-painted and will jazz up any outfit you pair them with – hurrah!

Bimby and Roy

This dreamy range of smalls-that-also-serve-as-swimmers is designed by two Fiji-raised, Australia-based sisters and made in Fiji’s first solar-powered factory. With an array of super-cute retro prints and a lovely new high-rise fit, we can’t get enough of these over-achieving undies.

Hey Tiger

Turns out you can have a totally guilt-free chocolate experience with Hey Tiger chocolate – a beautifully packaged range of chocolate bars that’s also a social enterprise. Owned by a charitable trust, Hey Tiger partners with The Hunger Project to fund their work with cocoa farming communities in Ghana. With a CEO that doesn’t take a salary and a minimum of 50c per full-size bar going direct to charity, you can truly savour every last delicious bite.

Hozen

If you’re happy to blow the budget on an investment piece (or know someone who is – and this is your time to hint), then you could do worse than take a look at this dreamy Hozen bag. Made only to order in LA using vegan leather and suede, 100% recycled plastic zips, 100% recycled plastic thread and natural rubber rope, this bag is made with love right down to its organic cotton label. SWOON (and only a little bit at at the price tag).

Just Cause

A different bunch of beautiful blooms can be delivered in Brissie on the daily by this lovely lot – and the best part is, 100% of profits go to a local charity. Recipients have included MS Queensland, Drought Angels and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and Just Cause also offer extras including plants, cakes, soy candles and beer. Blooming brilliant!

The School of Life

If you’ve hitched your wagon to another’s in a formal manner, this set – from the emotional-intelligence powerhouse that is The School of Life – might be just up your wedded street. Beautifully-presented, the box contains “the secrets to a long-term union” – think thoughtful, insightful writings on all things marriage – and how to make it work for a lifetime.