Some tips for making your Valentine’s Day more eco-friendly:
1- Flowers: Did you know that non-organic flowers can contain up to 50 times the amount of pesticides that are federally allowed for food? Try organically grown flowers to avoid the pesticides, or better yet, choose a potted plant which lasts longer!
2- Chocolate: Did you know that of all crops, cocoa demands the second highest use of pesticides? Try organic and fair trade chocolates instead and you will find that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor by giving up the pesticides. There are many yummy brands that are locally available. Some of my favorites include Endangered Species Chocolates and Equal Exchange Chocolates.
3- Wine: Try an organic wine or champagne this year. Many local wine stores have a nice selection of eco-friendly wines and the selections are growing in quantity and improving in quality as the demand increases.
4- Dinner: There are many ways to incorporate a more eco-friendly approach to dinner. Try a vegetarian restaurant, one that uses local produce and products in their cooking, select sustainably harvested fish, or simply cut back on your intake of meat and try a delicious dish of pasta instead. (It worked for Lady & the Tramp!)
5- And finally, remember that homemade valentines are the most eco-friendly and most romantic way to go. Recycle some old gift wrap or construction paper, get out the glue & scissors, brush up on your poetry skills and make your valentine a special gift from the heart.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Bethany Gizzi
Sociology
02/10/2010 |