Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Here’s a poem to get us in gear . . .

Roses Are Red,
Violets Are Blue.
This Year Make Them Green
And The Planet Will Love You.

Ok, ok, I never said I was a poet . . .

What I’m trying to say is that Valentine’s Day can be pretty wasteful. Just consider all of the aluminum foil candy wrappers, tree-killing cards and carbon-costly exotic flowers. The, “day of love” is quite harmful to the planet.

With green going mainstream, however, it’s never been easier to make Valentine’s Day both sustainable and special. Just put in the extra effort to consider your lover and the planet. For example, if you’re giving your sweetie chocolates, make sure they come from a company with commitments to the environment and fair trade labor. Or, want to surprise her with flowers? Heighten the surprise with a homegrown pesticide free bouquet. And of course, if the night calls for a romantic dinner, make sure your wine selections are local and organic.

It’s easy. Over the week, I’ll give you the ultimate Valentine’s Day green gift guide. Stay tuned.

Photo courtesy of AP/Winfried Rothermel.

Posted on January 21st, 2008 by Olivia Zaleski