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Fortunately for kids (and grown-up kids) there’s a new eco-alternative. Launched in 2006 by Portland, Oregon’s Kate Rosenthal, Stubby Pencil Studios has created the Color ‘N Kids line of “interactive cards” made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper that are processed chlorine free and made with certified renewable energy. The cards are “interactive” because they are black and white and are designed to allow kids to color them in any way they desire. The words and phrases on the cards are made of dotted lines so children can practice tracing their letters.

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When it comes to food, there are two main areas that you can focus on so that your eats are better for the environment, and often better for you. First, you'll want to "eat local" whenever possible. This concept has been highlighted recently, as two people went on a 100-mile diet for one year and chronicled their journey. That's right - they only ate food that came from within 100-miles. What's the big deal? When you sit down to eat, most ingredients on your plate have traveled 1500 miles to get there. That's a lot of fuel.

Secondly, you'll want to look for organic food. This means that no pesticides or chemicals have been used. This is a plus for the soil, water supply, farm workers, and you.

You don't feel like cooking or washing dishes - you are definitely heading out to eat. Ask around and make a last minute reservation at a restaurant that utilizes local produce and organic ingredients. It will probably taste fresher than you've eaten in a long time, and you'll have the extra benefit of knowing that you are supporting an important cause. Don't know which restaurants in your area do this? Check out the Green Life Guide section on restaurants.

You don't want to mess with crowded restaurants and long waits - you are going to have a nice meal at home. We recommend the same advice - try to use local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Check out organic.org to find stores near you that sell these types of products. It also lists local farmers markets - there might be one happening as you speak! Maybe you could sneak out at lunch time and get some local goodies. Organic.org even recommends a special Valentine's Day recipe of Piri Piri Pomegranite Chicken.

Rebecca says: I'm making a homemade pizza using local tomatoes and basil from my windowsill garden. Yum! Whoever you are spending tonight with, be it your sweetie or some friends, enjoy yourself!

Now, we know that Valentine's Day goes back a little further than Hallmark, but it certainly has become more and more commercial through the years. What these Hallmark Holidays have done is make people feel guilty if they do not give a greeting card - or angry if they don't receive!

According to the Greeting Card Association, Americans purchase nearly 7 billion greeting cards each year. Of course, most of these cards are not made with eco-friendly in mind. They use new resources and create waste.

One alternative to the typically greeting card is to go green. Companies like Green Field Paper Company make tree-free cards and have a whole line of "Grow a Note" greeting cards…plant it and it will become…well, a plant!

Of course, you could also to take the zero-waste road and go the e-card route. Check out The Nature Conservancy and PETA for some eco and animal friendly themed cards made especially for Valentine's Day.

Rebecca says: Oops, I promised my dad that I would send a card to Grandma and Auntie. I might not be able to find local green cards at last minute, so I think I might pull an DIY and create something out of materials I have at home. More effort = more thought, and it's the thought that counts, right?

More Resources:

Greeting Card Association

Wikipedia: Valentine's Day

The truth is, typical commercial flower production is a scary thing. Most flowers sold in the US come from countries like Ecuador, Columbia, and Mexico. Since it is not a food product, there really aren't limits to the amount of pesticides used, causing great harm to the environment and especially the workers in the field. Even worse, during peak season like Valentine's Day, many young women are forced to work 18 hour days at poverty wages.

You can make a difference with your pocketbook on this issue. Don't buy flowers that aren't certified organic. Instead, try a company like Organic Bouquet. Better yet, grow your own flowers, or give flower seeds - it's a gift from the heart!

Rebecca says: Don't feel like you have to always give the same ol' flowers and candy for Valentine's Day. We're running through the green options (ohh, I worked in the name!) on the traditional gifts for Valentine's Day, but feel free to get creative with it! Your special someone will appreciate the time you put into it.

Resources:

Pesticide Action Network article

Veriflora Certification

Unchain Your Heart