By Neely Atha
Valentine’s Day is upon us again. In my Grinch
ery moments, I tend to view Valentines Day as a consumer-focused holiday that misses the mark. But don't let my Grinch ways fool you. There is plenty of love to go around and I make sure of it. So far this year I've sent out 45 (yes 45!) homemade Valentine's Day cards to my nearest and dearest. I want to make sure the people around me feel wanted and loved.
While the impact of Valentines Day on our relationships can be positive, we can’t always say the same about its impact on the environment. From decorations, to gifts, to romantic gestures, I’ve been thinking about ways we all could make this year’s most romantic holiday more eco-conscious and memorable.
In regards to gifts, there are bountiful options for surprising your loved one without adding to the overrun on consumerism.
The classic and oh-so-loved flowers
Flowers are seemingly harmless and inexpensive, but they come at a higher cost than you might think. If roses are grown in a U.S. greenhouse, they likely require artificial light and heat before being flown or hauled in temperature-controlled trucks, thus resulting in significant energy use and carbon emissions. If they are grown abroad, they’ll need to be transported even farther—thousands of miles in some cases. If you want to give green, then think green: go with a potted plant instead. The options are endless and the memory will last much longer.
The tastiest of them all: chocolate
Chocolate is another gift that seems harmless at first glance, but like flowers, comes with its own set of baggage. Much of the cacao that’s used to make chocolate comes from less-than-credible sources. If chocolate is on your gift list, opt for brands that use fair-trade cocoa in their products. It’s often shade-grown, providing wildlife habitat and protecting rainforests, and helps ensure farmers are paid a fair wage for their products and have safe working conditions. Make it even more special by making your own chocolate—it only takes a few simple ingredients that you probably have at home already.
Try making it yourself
Nothing says “I love you” more than a handmade poem or card. It’s more personal than anything you can buy in a store and it will let someone know how you truly feel. You can use recycled paper, seed paper, or even a piece of fabric.
Here are some other ideas for making the day special:
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Go camping or hiking
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Give each other at-home spa treatments
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Shop vintage
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Eat local
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Make your own body scent with essential oils
Instead of simply going through the motions this Valentine’s Day, get creative. Take the extra step to give your loved one a memorable day with minimal environmental impact, and without breaking the bank. It shows you care about them and it shows some love to Mother Nature, too.
About the Author: I believe that every day we should be able to respect and help improve the environment and our quality of life. We can make a difference together and address genuine, efficient and revitalizing change to address the climate goals for the future. I'm constantly looking for places where I can use my skills in an atmosphere that offers both professional growth and personal satisfaction while being sustainable, innovative and ethical. Above you will find a picture of my Valentine's from a couple years back... some aren't appropriate but hey this isn't a shy holiday. I’m looking forward to continuing to share ideas for making each holiday more sustainable, here’s to St. Patrick’s Day.