Yes, that’s right. Valentine’s day is just around the corner. It is the time of year when you tell the world how much you love your special someone. If Valentine’s Day is an important day for you and the one you love, then why not show your love this year in an eco-friendly way. Here are a few gift ideas that make a positive impact on the environment:
- Give organic local flowers. If your special someone loves the site of a bouquet, then this tip is for you. Conventionally grown flowers are not eco-friendly. They are often exposed to pesticides and other harmful practices. An option to use instead is giving locally grown houseplants. There are tons of flowering varieties so you can still get the bouquet look. Plus many of them live all year long so they add life to your house all the way through to next year. Plus, these plants are grown close to home so you are not contributing greenhouse gases to the atmosphere that would result from air shipping conventionally grown varieties.
- Give natural fragrances. Many perfumes and colognes sold in stores are synthetic and often made from toxic chemicals. Not only do these synthetic varieties cost a bundle, but they are also harmful to you and the environment. There are more earth friendly options for perfumes such as making your own out of essential oils. Check out [amazon asin=B0046HAIUK&text=Do It Gorgeously] for some recipes. If you are not into the DIY routines, then try buying brands like AJNE. You want your loved one to be safe right?!
- Use recycled paper products. Make sure to give a card that is made out of [amazon asin=B0026IBLUW&text=recycled products]. Better yet, send an e-card that they can read at work on that special day. It will put a huge smile on their face and give them the energy to get through the day.
- Give an organic spa coupled with wine. Just imagine this: Your loved one comes home after a long day and walks into a candle lit bathroom to find it has been transformed into a spa. The tub is filled with [amazon asin=B0018196J6&text=lavender scented natural oils] and a glass of organic wine is ready for the sipping. I bet you would be out of the dog house for at least a month. The best thing about this gift is it is extremely relaxing and simple to arrange.
- Give organic, fair trade chocolate. Everyone seems to love chocolate. It is rich, creamy, and tastes excellent. Plus it can make you feel good and is full of antioxidants. Like coffee, not all chocolate is produced in a sustainable way. Many cocoa bean farmers find themselves under tremendous pressures from buying cartels and the result is institutionalized poverty. Who wants to support that? Instead, buy [amazon asin=B001K2FUNY&text=fair trade chocolate] that is produced organically. It may cost you a little bit more but in return you are supporting progressive labour and environmental practices. It really works out for everyone.
- Use your imagination. There are no limits to what is romantic. It is all in the eye of the beholder. Being romantic is about spontaneity and a personal touch. I have given you a few suggestions but there are many more out there.
So, how are you going to show your valentine you care this year?
Miss T has written 545 articles on this blog.
Hi, I am Miss T and I am the owner and head writer of PrairieEcoThrifter. Each and every day I am working to live a money savvy, healthy, and green life. While you're here, consider signing up for the RSS feed or email subscription . Both deliver the latest articles directly to you everyday. Have a Twitter , Facebook, Reddit, Stumble Upon, or Digg account? Then follow me for all of the latest posts or to send any comments or questions.
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This may sound Scrooge-like but we will likely give nothing to each other. We’ll make a nice supper and spend time together. No need for more stuff or to have energy spent on what we consider a Hallmark holiday.
Sustainable PF recently posted..Healthy Lunches from Home and Save
@SPF I agree. My hubby and I don’t do much for this holiday anymore either. We have in the past when we were dating. Now we seem to get each other stuff throughout the year as we see fit. It is more of a hallmark holiday. In fact, most holidays if not all are. We don’t really celebrate any of them. I do know though that this day is quite important for some so I thought I would share some tips on how to at least celebrate it with the planet in mind.
Sustainable PF & Miss T: We just go out to dinner. This month we are doing a series about not eating out at all: so I guess we will cook each other a nice dinner. What we use to do, and I would like to get back to, was prepare on back-to-back days a really gourmet dinner for each other. We both like cooking and it was still a bargain compared to some overpriced fancy restaurant.
@Broke Professionals That is a great idea. My husband and I like to cook to and we used to do the same thing. Home cooked food is always tastier and more enjoyable than restaurant food. Let us know what you decide to cook this year.
Thanks for the tips Miss T! These are all things that I may not have thought of when purchasing the flowers and the card. I will definitely remember now!
Also, I’m sure that we’ll go out to eat at a new place – and maybe a movie.
@ Life and My Finances You’re welcome. It’s nice to do something new and different sometimes. Enjoy your night together.
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Great tips, a flower is always a romantic idea for my lovely wife, a “holiday” is not needed!