"Be Mine", "Kiss Me" and "Nature Lover"? Valentine's Day isn't all about pink and red.

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It’s been called a made-up or a Hallmark holiday, but nevertheless, it shows up every year on February 14th. It can involve chocolates, flowers, cards and dinner--but the consumerism of Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be eco-heartbreak.

A box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers is traditional and sweet, but are they always eco-mindful? Instead of purchasing that cheap heart-shaped box of chocolates at your local convenience store, try organic sweets. They may cost a few more bucks, but you and your Valentine can rest easy that these confections have a low impact on the environment.

What about flowers? A bouquet of red roses signify love and passion, but again, at what price? Many flowers are shipped long distances in temperature-regulated transportation and sprayed with pesticides to pass U.S. inspections. Purchasing these particular blooms only contributes to this hefty eco-travel expense. Instead, shop for biodynamic fair trade flowers, check out your local farmer’s market, join a CSA or look for the USDA Organic seal. This mindset also applies to the Valentine’s dinner. Seek out restaurants that use local and sustainable food or simply visit your nearby farmer’s market to purchase your ingredients for a homemade meal.

Valentine’s Day is the second most popular holiday, next to Christmas, to send a greeting card in the U.S. with roughly 152 million cards mailed. There are always greener options. You and your Valentine could peruse the card aisles together, pick out a card and read them to each other aloud-- add your personal sweet-nothings and put the card back. Or, bust out the construction paper, glue stick and your inner child! Handmade cards are always the most heartfelt and special (in my opinion). Or you can skip the paper altogether and send an e-card; they’re quick, simple and you can easily include all of the important people in your life.

So, as St. Valentine’s Day approaches, use your resources to find a more eco-responsible way to show you care--”Get My Drift”?

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