How to Have a Green Valentine's Day

Every year February 14^th has a huge impact on the environment. Over one billion valentines are sent each year globally, making it the second largest card sending day of the year. Valentine's Day cards also make up about 25 percent of seasonal cards that are produced each year. Add that to the mass production of boxes and chocolate with the cultivation of flowers and you have got an environmental nightmare.

Fortunately, there are some precautions that the eco conscious individual can take in order to ensure the greenest Valentine's Day possible. Give the one you love a little extra this year by showing you concern for the environment and carefully considering what you buy. Below you will find some great tips to make this year's Valentine's Day color green.

How to Have a Green Valentine's Day Tip #1: Green Greeting Cards

This year try to find some greeting cards made of recycled materials. Recycled paper reuses old paper and therefore cuts down the destruction of new trees. You can find some beautiful cards made of recycled materials on Etsy and Two Piglets Letter Press. You can also make a simple Google search for "green greeting cards" where a myriad of options will pop up.

Another option for eco-friendly Valentines is tree-free greeting cards. Tree-free paper uses other materials in the production of paper such as mango, cotton, banana, and even elephant feces. For more information on tree-free paper visit GreenLivingTips.com.

If you want to be especially green, consider sending your loved ones e-cards instead of traditional greeting cards.

How to Have a Green Valentine Valentine's Day Tip #2: Fair Trade Organic Coffee

Fair trade means that the farmers who cultivated the product will get the pay they deserve. Organic means that no harmful toxins were used in the cultivation of the product. Put them together and you have got the perfect chocolate treat that tastes great and helps the planet.

How to Have a Green Valentine's Day Tip #3: Purchase Organic and Locally Grown Flowers

Organic flowers were cultivated without the use of fertilizers and make a wonderful gift for anyone. Take the eco-friendly flowers a step further by purchasing them locally. By purchasing organic locally grown flowers, you not only spare the environment from extra pollution, your money also goes to support the local economy.

There are of course other ways to make Valentine's Day green, such as purchasing socially conscious jewelry or eating at the local organic restaurant, but the aforementioned tips are a great place to start.

Sources:

Green Living Tips: A Green Valentine's Day

Green Living Tips: Tree-Free Paper

TreeHugger: Green Valentine