Roger OngValentine’s Day is often treated as a sprint of glossy packaging, imported ingredients and impulse gifting. But we are also seeing some taking the reins and steering towards a more sustainable gifting season. Here are six brands that suggest gifts that are more considerate of people, resources and the lifecycle of what you buy and what your loved ones receive. Whether you go plant-based for the day, pick fair trade as your baseline, or try an upcycled product that surprises them, each decision helps you become a smarter consumer.
Fair Trade with People Tree
When we mention Valentine chocolate, we can’t forget People Tree’s fair trade chocolates. People Tree has limited Valentine and White Day items also be forward fair trade and organic chocolate. In fact, we wouldn’t even stop at asking you to do a once-time “ethical splurge”. If the chocolates are to your and your loved ones’ liking, repeat buying gets ensures your love for chocolates are helping others lead a better life.
Cacao-free from Sogo Yokohama
Chocolate-like but not quite. Sogo Yokohama suggests a “sustainable sweet” concept that is cacao-free, created by processing coffee into a chocolate-like delight. Folks in Yokohama should head to Sogo Seibu Mall on the 8th floor to get thesee.
Upcycled gift with VANILLABEANS
VANILLABEANS offers a more durable alternative to chocolates: a book cover made from “cacao husk leather”! It is produced using cacao husks, a by-product during the chocolate-making process. The upcycling method respects the value of the material, and demostrate a gift with intent for your loved ones.
Plant-based Brooks Greenlit Cafe
Brook’s seasonal offering is built around plant-based food and fermentation, making everyday eating align with climate-conscious choices. Swap out a conventional Valentine outing for a plant-forward meal or dessert, or pair a treat with a cafe visit rather than buying more packaged items.
Zero Waste from Yamato Kikaku
Yamato Kikaku’s upcycle chocolat uses hoshi-imo peels, a by-product from dried sweet potato production. If you are giving chocolate presents regardless, consider inserting this into your gifting mix. You’d be helping to upcycle food and keeping things zero waste. Available at Takashimya Shopping Centres and their online store.
Ingredient-conscious with GREEN AGE
GREEN AGE’s Valentine selection invites shoppers to treat gifting as a label-reading exercise. Instead of picking the prettiest box, look for products that match real needs in your household, such as organic ingredients, gluten-free options, no refined sugar and other considerate formulations.
