Green Your Valentines Day this February

Thanks to the great Valentines marketing hype, this year on February 14th 2011, it is estimated that valentines day will be bigger than ever. When I’m talking about big, I’m not referring to the event itself, I’m talking about the big money that we will be spent on flowers and gifts and the big environmental resources we’ll be consuming.

Here are some staggering numbers for you to ponder upon for Valentines Day.

– An estimated 1 billion valentines cards will be sent globally, which will account for approximately 30 percent of all seasonal cards annually (That’s a lot of trees)

– An estimated 30 – 40 million heart-shaped packaging boxes for chocolates will be sold. (again lots and lots of trees are sacrificed)

– Some Florist will turnover the same amount of fresh flowers on this one day than they will for the rest of the year (Flowers which end up in the garbage within a week)

– Expect roses suddenly to jump 2 – 4 times in price on this day.

These are very encouraging numbers if you manufacture greeting cards, make chocolates or sell flowers, but if you love the environment, it will be an absolute nightmare.

Valentines Day reminds us to love our partner and not take a relationship for granted. Likewise, we should love the world and not take the environment for granted.

There are so many ways to express your love without harming the environment. Here are a few Green Valentines ideas to help you get started

Lets start with the Valentines Card
I know it wouldn’t seem genuine and from the heart for people to be sending E-cards for Valentines. If you’re trying to score with the person of your dreams, then an E-card is the last thing I would suggest you give. If you must give a Valentines card, give one that uses recycled paper and one which can be recycled again and again.

Even better, to save money and to show your sincerity, you can get some recycled paper and make your very own Valentines card using your computer and printer. It’s genuine, and it’ll save you money.

What about flowers?

Stay away from plastic flowers, it’ll do more harm to the environment than killing fresh flowers, and lets not forget the harm it’ll do to your relationship. Girls like fresh flowers, and if you are going to be giving her plastic, give her your credit card instead – I’m sure that will melt her heart. If you must give flowers, try to find one that is organically and locally grown and just give a one stem rose if you can. I’m sure your partner love your flower gesture and not the number of flowers. If you want to impress her with numbers, tell her the limit on the credit card that she can spend with.

Can’t go wrong with Chocolates

Can’t go wrong here. There are great organic chocolates available for purchase from most health food stores. Green & Blacks and Dagoba are great organic, fair-trade brands.

Wine

Again there are so many organic wines available now! If you want to get your partner drunk, that’s one way to do it.
Activities
What about eco-treats?

– Get a gift certificate for holistic therapies e.g. massage, naturopath, health spa.

– The most economical way is to make a romantic dinner for two using using locally grown organic ingredients, with a table setting using soy scented candles.

– Give natural perfumes and fragrances. Natural organic skin care products or mineral cosmetics.

These are just a few ideas to help you get started. For those that have received a great eco gift in the past or have impressed your other halve with a great eco Valentines gift, please share your ideas below.

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