At its origins, Valentine's Day commemorates St. Valentine who, according to one legend, rebelled against the ancient Roman ruling from Emperor Claudius II that unmarried men made better soldiers. St. Valentine was imprisoned by bucking the system and secretly marrying lovers. Each year on the days leading up to February 14th, sweethearts follow in this spirit by searching diligently to find the most amazing and personalized gift, hoping to make just the right impression upon their cherished object of affection.
We believe that anyone can easily make the shift from red to green this Valentine’s Day, and it will still smell as sweet. By merely adopting the ideals of sacrifice evinced by St. Valentine, lovers of the Earth can remain eco-friendly and exchange sweet nothings along with giving something more sweetly tangible in the form of an environmentally conscious green gift. Valentine's Day can serve as a time to define each person's values for being environmentally conscious and reinforcing the idea that gifts can be as simple as respecting one another's values and commitment to being green, which may sometimes mean that gifts will not be something concrete but rather something intangible and with a higher purpose.
In that very spirit, here are just 10 of the many energy efficient, Earth-friendly and thoughtful green Valentine's Day gifts:
- Say it with an E! Instead of heading to the standard brick-and-mortar greeting card store, Valentines can simply go online and select a Valetine's Day E-Card. These cards not only say everything a traditional card says, in terms of words of love and devotion, but they are often animated with charming graphics to create a swell of emotion.
- Buy Certified Organically Grown Flowers. Going green with flower choices is an option with the proliferation of certified organic flower growers. Online companies will ship and pack flowers, fruit, and chocolates to ensure freshness. Certified organic flowers are grown without pesticides and chemicals.
- Adopt an Endangered Animal with World Wildlife Federation. Adopting an animal is a considerate gift for any animal lover and is also a precious gift to an animal whose existence may be in peril because of extinction.
- Seek Out Fair Trade Goods. By choosing a gift that is certified Fair Trade, your Valentine's Day gift will be helping developing countries increase sustainability and independence while offering their loved one fine quality gifts such as chocolate, clothing, accessories, and much more.
- The Greenest of Green Gifts: Planting a Tree. Planting a tree in a loved one's honor serves as both a reminder and relationship analogy that we need to cultivate positive growth and invest in the future.
- Search for Green Gift Certificates. Searching the local business directory for green-friendly restaurants who do business with fellow locally-grown and organic sellers is a great way to show love and support local green companies. Many may be offering Valentine's Day specials so call around and see what you can find.
- Light Soy Candles to Spark Romance. Soy candles are a great spin on a traditionally romantic Valentine's Day gifts and a handy, romantic Valentine's Day accessory. Many local candle makers choose soy as an alternative primary ingredient to traditional candles. Soy candles can be found in a wide range of scents.
- Shop Local Microbrews or Wines. As an accompaniment to Valentine's Day dinner, or for a gift to a Valentine, purchasing locally brewed beer or wine from a local vineyard is a great way to support local business as well as providing a unique and special libation for a loved one.
- Buy Recycled or Re-purposed Gifts. Sometimes finding a second life for an item turns it into a truly unique find and something that a Valentine can appreciate for years to come. Items range from clothing to household items and much more.
- Give the Gift of Fitness or Adventure. Selecting a gift certificate for the local running club, the climbing facility, or simply a membership to the local fitness club shows a love for someone's fitness goals or athletic pursuits and a desire to support them in health and fitness.





