Love is in the air – but what is the cost?

Despite the bitter cold, the days are longer, the crocuses lift their brave heads above the icy earth, huge groups of burly men slug out the Six Nations – and love is in the air.

But do you want to keep that air clean? Here’s one little factoid that alarmed us while we were researching – more than 90 per cent of our flowers are imported. What’s that costing in aviation fuel and emissions?

Now we all like a bit of chocolate and a few flowers on the Day of Love, but how to do it in an environmentally responsible way?

Sadly, the local growers we spoke to can’t do a lot in February – but we’ve come with an idea – flower offset day. Instead of buying your flowers in February, you wait for a local supplier later in the year. One we liked was Ben Cross of Crosslands Flower Nursery in Walberton. Ben is the fourth generation of a family business that specialises in Alstroemeria and a leading light in the British Flowers Rock campaign.

A hot tip from Natalie of Coolham Blooms is to avail yourself of the services of Flowers from the Farm, where local growers of all sizes pool their produce to give a British sourced alternative to all those carbon-sweating imports.

Did we mention chocolate? For Sussex residents, you won’t get more local than Montezum– all the production is right here in Chichester. It was founded 20 years ago by entrepreneurial couple Helen and Simon Pattinson.

Their commitment to sustainability and ethical standards shows that there’s oceans of room for thriving business in a green economy. Also quick market research with an experienced consumer convinced us that their products are delicious.

An honourable mention for Cocoa Loco of West Grinstead, similarly able to make a delicious product to the highest environmental standards. Both firms are running enthusiastic Valentine’s promotions despite the current angst over Covid-19.

For thirsty readers we would point out that Sussex is home to 52 wine producers as well as thriving breweries of various sizes, with Denbies just a short ride up the A24 in neighbouring Surrey. Many have shops attached selling local foods, so if you’re going to cook for someone green but special, here’s another way to source.

We hope we’ve given you a few ideas – who said you couldn’t have fun? Not us!

Why not help us love the planet by joining one of our online events to learn what you can do to take positive action for people and planet www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/events

We are also looking for young people who love to the planet to join our Youth Eco Forum www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/youth-eco-forum