Who Gives A Crap has celebrated Valentine's Day by reintroducing its 'Flush Your Ex' initiative, a campaign that recycles love letters into toilet paper.

The initiative aims to help people move on from past relationships and contribute to environmental sustainability. Relationship & Intimacy Coach, Susie Kim, highlighted the importance of letting go of past relationship reminders for emotional healing.

"Holding on to things from your ex can often be a sign that you’re not fully ready to move on and heal. Taking time to appreciate the memories before flushing them out of your system is a cathartic healing process that enables you to grieve and grow," she said.

The research, commissioned by Who Gives A Crap and conducted by Pureprofile from December 2023 to January 2024, surveyed 5,009 Australians aged 18 and up. It found that 72% of Australians believe removing reminders of an ex aids in overcoming heartbreak, yet a significant number still hold onto such items for extended periods.

Interestingly, older Australians are more likely to keep relationship reminders, with 44% of Baby Boomers taking more than six months to dispose of them. In contrast, 26% of respondents throw out their ex's belongings immediately, 34% hold on for less than six months, 12% for 6-12 months, 5% for 1-2 years, and 23% for over two years.

Geographically, Hobart has the highest breakup rate at 29%, followed by ACT (27%), Sydney (26%), Melbourne (25%), Brisbane (25%), and Perth (24%). Generation Z experienced the most heartbreak in 2023, with 41% reporting a breakup, almost double the number of Gen X Aussies (23%). Millennials and Boomers reported heartbreak last year at 27% and 17% respectively.

The top five ways to get through a breakup, according to the survey, include removing ex's belongings, no contact, exercise and hobbies, support from family and friends, and self-care. Surprisingly, only 15% of Australians block their ex on social media post-breakup.

Who Gives A Crap Head of Brand Management, Maria Chilewicz, encouraged people to send their love letters for recycling to their address in Collingwood, VIC.

"Let’s be honest, breakups are crap, which is why we are excited to bring back our successful and hugely popular Flush Your Ex initiative. We hope we can help the heartbroken turn over a new sheet ahead of Valentine's Day – all while doing something good for the planet with our 100% recycled toilet paper," she said.

The study also found one-third of respondents value past photos the most, choosing to keep them over gifts. As Valentine's Day approaches, the 'Flush Your Ex' initiative offers a unique way for Australians to move on, while contributing to a sustainable cause.