Think Eco Friendly Valentine’s Day  This Year

Valentine’s Day is an occasion celebrated on February 14 and while it has a very long history dating back hundreds of years, the scale of the occasion we have today is largely thanks (or no thanks) to marketers. But we can choose to make it more eco friendly Valentine’s day this year!

Some fast consumption related facts about Valentine’s day :

– Around a billion valentines are sent each year globally, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas

– 25 percent of all seasonal cards annually are valentines

– Over 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold each year.

– Valentine’s Day is the top holiday for fresh flower purchases with red roses being most popular

– 10% of engagements happen on Valentine’s day

– Over 60 percent of planned to by at least one valentine last year

Those statistics come from American Greetings Corporation

Valentines Day is big business and as such has the potential to have substantial impact on the environment. For example, the one billion cards laid end to end would stretch around the world 5 times! That’s a lot of trees.

Valentines day gifts with the planet in mind

If Valentine’s Day is an important day for you or the one you love; then you can also show a bit of extra love for the environment by carefully considering what you buy. Here’s some ideas:

– Cards made from recycled or tree-free paper (this will be indicated on the card)

– Consider sending an e-card instead using one of the many quality services around.

– Fair trade and/or organic chocolate (here is a recipe for an amazing chocolate truffles!)

– Choose organic and/or locally grown flowers

– Make a donation to an environmental organization on behalf of the person.

– If you wish to give jewelry, consider pre-owned or purchasing from jewelers who are certified to be sourcing precious metals and gemstones in an ecologically and socially responsible manner. Or considering something really offbeat like a wooden ring– they look amazing.

– Buy the person a gift certificate for holistic therapies e.g. massage, naturopath, health spa.

– Arrange (or order…)dinner at a local restaurant specializing in organic or locally grown food. Eating locally cuts down on food miles.

– Perhaps make dinner yourself using locally grown ingredients, accompanied by a nice organic wine. Set the mood with earth friendly candles. The effort you put in will be sure to impress!

– Give a natural soap or skin care product without  mainstream fragrances are chemical cocktails. By buying natural products, you’ll be showing you not only care for the environment, but the person’s health.