Hopeless romantics love it. Cynics despise it. No one can avoid it -- Valentine’s Day is firmly established as a cultural happening! Whatever your feelings are about the holiday, make it your own by taking the opportunity to show appreciation for our environment.
Give Eco-Friendly Chocolate. Not only does the Rainforest Alliance certify chocolate that’s better for the environment, “shopping the frog” ensures that cocoa farmers have good living and working conditions. Find Rainforest Alliance Certified chocolate (and other products) here. The Arbor Day Foundation also sells a line of shade grown organic chocolates in their online shop.
Send an eCard. Love wildlife? Check out these free Valentine e-cards from World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International.
Buy Local Flowers. If flowers are your style, swing by your local farmers’ market for a fresh bouquet of your favorites. It beats buying imported flowers that have often been doused in pesticides.
Ditch Dirty Gold. Did you know that the manufacture of an average gold ring creates more than 20 tons of mining waste? Be sure to buy your jewelry from retailers who have committed to ending destructive gold mining through Earthworks.
Love Your Honey (Bees). Bees are in trouble. In the U.S., they’ve been dying off at alarming rates which spells trouble not just for honey, but for our whole food supply. Download a tool kit from Beyond Pesticides and Pesticide Action Network to help protect bees from harmful pesticides at beyondpesticides.org.
Let Nature Inspire Your Valentines. Remember how much fun Valentine’s Day was as a kid? For some special V-day kid’s craft projects, check out these nature-inspired ideas from National Wildlife Federation.
Rethink Generosity. This February 14, you can also share the love through simple acts of kindness, consideration, compassion and sharing. Just click here for several great ideas!