You can’t keep denying it. It’s almost here. Valentine’s day can be as wasteful as Christmas and has the added bonus of only being for the loved up. Topped only by Christmas, Valentine’s Day encourages the most cards to be sent - about a billion being posted every year. Consider this a guide to a green-hearted alternative Valentine’s Day (and we don’t mean bitter and jealous).
Cards
If you are feeling so inclined to send your loved one a card this year then why not swap your physical card for an e-card. Better yet, send the one you love - or anyone in fact - a body warming Green Thing Valentine.
If you love opening envelopes (especially when it doesn’t contain a bill) then consider cards made from tree-free paper. Paper made from wood is actually a relatively new concept. Whilst paper made from rags came into production in China in the 2nd Century, wood based paper was only discovered in 1844. Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence was written on Hemp paper, made by Benjamin Franklin’s mill. True story.
Paper can be made from bananas, mangos, cotton, elephant poo (bacteria and smell-free), straw, coconut, jute and bagasse (the remaining pulp from sugar cane), just to name a few. The possibilties are endless.
If an elephant poo card just isn’t special enough, carve your own card. A personal, fun and sustainably sourced wooden’ card’ that you scratch your own message into. Just be careful when carving, you don’t want to spend Valentine’s Day in hospital.
Flowers
If you’re saying it with flowers, try and find ones that have travelled the least. With most flowers being flown over from Europe, Africa and South America the carbon cost of those few pretty petals is gigantic. How about felt flowers?
They’ll never wilt and die and will last for years, helping you to stick with what you’ve got.
Another idea is buying seeds and planting them for your own bouquet of flowers next year. Or plant a tree if you feel your relationship is going to last long enough to see it fully grown. Awww.
Other Unconsuming Gifts
If you don’t want to consume but would like a little something to show your feelings, how about adopting love? Adopt A Word have put the word Love on eBay to sell to the most romantic soul (well, the highest bidder) with all proceeds going to I Can, the children’s communication charity. Maybe try being more original and adopt a word that means something to you.
Oxfam Unwrapped is always a great idea for presents that don’t cost the earth. Buy a gift that gets given to a worthy receiver and won’t be forgotten by the following year. For the book lover, buy a child’s school books for a year. For the sun worshippers buy solar panels. For the animal lover buy a goat for a village. There are tons of fun and useful gifts that will lend a helping hand where it’s needed most. Besides, nothing says I love you more than a hygiene set and a goat.
10% of engagements happen on Valentine’s Day. If V-Day is going to be the day for popping the big question, why not opt for a beautifully hand-crafted, wooden ring.
Vintage and reused rings are another fantastic option. But be careful when reusing. Your grandmother’s old ring – a definite, heart warming yes. Your ex-wife’s old ring – a suddenly single no.
Activities
How about a romantic night in for two? Seasonal veg is a yummy way forward. Add some organic wine and a bamboo picnic set and you’re all set for a loved up meal. Don’t forget to plug out and use candles to light your Valentine’s Day. Or better yet, do it in the dark.
If you’re celebrating away from home consider traincation. With so much beautiful countryside in Britain there’s no need to fly off somewhere else, it’s all on your doorstep (or at least the train stations doorstep).
Many love stories have blossomed from walking. Gusty and Ford, for example. Wherever you are and whoever you’re with, go for a walk, ride your bikes and explore new places.
So forget the overblown, carbon costly and consumerist declarations of everlasting love. Find that special someone, and have an all-consuming special day.
Ps- Don't forget if you’re creating human heat then be safe; use an organic, carbon neutral condom.
http://www.dothegreenthing.com/blog/green_thing_s_guide_to_a_green_valentine_s
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