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The day we set aside to express our love to one another should be a time to show our originality and creativity without having a negative impact on Mother Earth. We typically give cards, flowers, chocolates, and jewelry, and each of those things can have environmental drawbacks.

This Valentine's Day, you can show your sweetheart AND the environment a lot of love. After all, green is the new red!
Imported plants that use pesticides are not checked for chemical residue - so chemicals can remain on petals and stems. Choosing organic blooms will prevent toxins from entering your house or body; if grown locally, organic flowers can also help save shipping costs and fuel.
  • Double the love by visiting Organic Bouquet, which offers nationwide delivery of organic flowers called "charitable bouquets". Proceeds from the sale of each bouquet are used to support non-profit organizations dedicated to social justice, wildlife conservations, animal rights and environmental protection.
  • A potted plant says that with a little watering and care, your love will never die. You can find organic potted plants at home improvement stores, garden centers or markets in your area.
  • Break tradition and send your loved one a package of heirloom flower seeds or a gift certificate from a local nursery for a sweet-scented rose bush. Try Green People for a list of organic and heirlooms seed producers in California.

Consider this

Over the past decade, sales of blooms grown overseas have increased rapidly, reaching almost two-thirds of all flowers sold in the U.S. Many imported flowers are cultivated in Latin America and other developing countries, where chemical use is often loosely regulated.

Feeling Bold? Consider a Handmade Gift.

Flowers are certainly pretty, but they can sometimes fade away as fast as the thrill of Valentine's Day. Give a more lasting, thoughtful gift by creating something of your own that has the personal touch. There are a lot of resources online for do-it-yourself crafts that are both inexpensive and fun to make. Visit Readymade Magazine for some inspiration and start creating.
 
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