A green and eco friendly Valentine’s Day

Yes I know we’ve only just put Christmas away, but planning an eco friendly Valentine’s Day can take a bit of organising. Conventional ways of celebrating Valentine’s Day can use a huge amount of the earth’s resources. From trees cut down for cards, carbon emissions for transportation to pesticide laden roses; the true cost of Valentine’s Day can be enormous.

Let’s remember that Valentines’ Day is about LOVE. There are plenty of ways to show your love for one as well as notching up some green credentials.

CARDS

1 billion Valentine’s cards are sent every year worldwide. That’s a lot of trees being needlessly cut down.

Why not make your own card or support a local artist who makes cards from recycled materials? Looking in to someone’s eyes and telling them you love them is most meaningful of all…

FLOWERS

Red roses are indeed beautiful to look at, but the story behind them is not so pretty. Perfect red roses flown in for Valentine’s Day travel thousands of air miles, rely on several tonnes of pesticides and involve dangerous working conditions for farmers across the globe.

why not plant something that will last for a lifetime and will grow as your love flourishes? If you don’t have a garden, the Woodland trust will plant a tree on your behalf.

CHOCOLATE

The story behind many brands of chocolate is not so sweet. Make sure you choose fairtrade or organic, or support a company that gives something back; such as Chocaid who make a donation to Save the Children for every purchase made. Most important of all, ensure the chocolate you buy is traffick free.

If you’re after health as well as indulgence, opt for raw chocolate instead!

BUBBLY

Choose organic or biodynamic champagne. To reduce air miles choose an English wine from Sedlescombe vineyard in Sussex.

FOOD

Source local, organic and seasonal produce to create your favourite meal. Visit your local farmers market for advise and save energy by dining by romantic candlelight!

How about you? How do you keep romance alive while showing your love for the planet?

This post is part of the APLS Carnival. The topic, hosted by Lisa over at Retro Housewife goes green is ‘Greening Valentine’s Day’.
Be sure to check it out on 19th January to see all the fabulous ideas from across the globe!