Valentine’s Day Survival Guide For The Green At Heart

It’s baaaa-aaack.

Valentine’s Day. Yet another one of the infamous “Hallmark Holidays” based loosely on history and commercially inflated to monumental status for no other reason than to make people think they can buy their way into the heart of that special boy or girl.

Consider these disturbing facts from TheRomantic.com:

• 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period. (Over-compensation much?)
• California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine’s Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America. (Hellooo carbon footprint!)
• 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day. (Sad.)
• Teachers will receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then, sweethearts. (Seems backwards, doesn’t it?)
• The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s (fictional!) lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day.

Ok, ok. I know. As much as you want to avoid this holiday of consumer-frenzy, you can’t resist the urge to surprise your loved one with an extra special token of your affection.

So here are some eco-friendly suggestions that will really show them that you’re heart’s in the right place.

1. Skip The Flowers
While it’s the thought that counts, purchasing commercially grown flowers could be one of the most thoughtless acts you could commit, as far as the environment is concerned.

The International Labor Rights Fund has found that the rampant overuse of chemical pesticides (including some that are restricted by law) in the cut flower industry is having detrimental effects on the health of field workers responsible for growing and harvesting.

Alternative: Opt for fair-trade, organic potted plants, flowers, and maybe even herbs. These will last much longer, and can be planted in the Spring. If you’re loved one is really counting on that flower delivery, you can also check out this list of environmentally-friendly retailers.

2. Shake And Bake

Lots of articles are saying that cooking your sweetie dinner, featuring organic and hopefully local ingredients, is a great alternative to expensive restaurant meals that might not as healthy as you think.

In fact, Epicurious has this great Romantic Menu Planner that asks questions about your cooking style and available time, and then conjurs up a menu complete with shopping lists!

3. Care Enough To Send The Very Best

About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. That’s the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas. No matter what Hallmark’s been telling you, there is nothing sweet about the trees eliminated and carbon emissions produced by this yearly outpouring of “love.”

If you’re interested in showing a long distance valentine that you care, try sending them some pooh instead. Delightfully crafted Valentine’s greetings and paper heart boxes made by Mr. Ellie Pooh, that is. There are also plenty of options for sending electronic greetings as well, and nothin’ says lovin’ like a valentine in your inbox.

Got more suggestions of easy ways to make green the new pink? Share them in a comment!

Tags: holiday gifts, valentine's day