Rethinking Lifestyle

February 14th, the feast of Saint Valentinus, commonly celebrated as Valentines Day, is an international day for romantic gestures. This week the chocolate confectioners, florists, card manufacturers and many others are looking forward to checking their bank balances as we are compelled to purchase gifts that demonstrate our affection.

But can we make it this year’s Valentine’s day green?

Card – one of car manufacturer’s Hallmark’s favourite days each year. With the majority of cards still made from virgin pulp and full of toxic chemicals, and probably thrown away there must be greener alternatives. Well you could send an e-card, and there are plenty of cards made of recycled materials these days. There are even plantable cards, with flower seeds woven into the card material. Or if you are creative you could make your own.

Flowers – the majority of flowers especially roses, purchased in Canada will have been transported from South America. If flowers are a must for your loved one, buy local. Locally grown flowers will have been grown in heated greenhouses, but they will have been transported less distance and the time from cutting to being on the shelf will be much less than for tropically grown flowers. Otherwise look for the Veriflora logo, an international standard for sustainable practices and fair labour.

Chocolate – why not spoil your loved one with some local handmade chocolates. There are several artisans making chocolates in Winnipeg using fair-trade, and organic ingredients, and Chocolatier Constance Popp even produces hers in compostable packaging. Alternatively, look for fair trade or organic options. Or why not have a go at making your own chocolate bark with some fair trade or organic bakers chocolate.

Dinner for two – sitting down to a candlelit table set for two is a real pleasure, but who says you have to go out? Why not make a meal together from local ingredients, or if cooking is not your thing what about a picnic feast of locally prepared foods. Beeswax or soy candles are the environmental alternative to petroleum based ones. With neither of you driving you can both enjoy a drink of organic wine. If you do go out, choose a restaurant that prides itself in local, organic or fair trade ingredients and taste the difference on this special night.

Gifts – If you like to buy lingerie, many designers are producing beautiful creations in organic cotton, bamboo, natural silk, or recycled fibres – be amazed at how sumptuously soft and sexy these fabric are and how your loved one will appreciate clothes next to the skin that are pure and toxin free! For other gift, online shops like Etsy.com have thousands of handmade items, and you will find many gift ideas made from recycled, organic or sustainable products. Or why not gift an experience or something you could do together such as cookery or dance classes. Or why not give something that seems so precious in our busy lives – time to be together.

Happy ‘green’ Valentine’s Day!