Make this Valentines Day A Green One
The one day that scares every guy out there is just around the corner. Even though Valentines day is one of the most commercial days of the year, it doesn’t mean you have to feed into the frenzy. Valentines day is supposed to be centered around romance. Not only is all the commercialism not always romantic, but it also has some damaging effects on the environment. Here are some tips that could make this a special valentines day a green one.
Cards
Cards are a huge part of Valentines day, so much so that over 1 billion are bought each year. Imagine the number of trees that need to be cut down just so you can give that special somebody a card they will probably throw out right after they read it anyways? Instead of buying a store-bought card, try making one yourself. You can customize the card anyway you want to make it more personal. On top of that, you can use recycled paper or cardboard. Try using a leftover cereal boxes or buying recycled paper from your local craft store. Check out this list of great homemade recycled cards for some ideas on cards you could make.
Chocolates
A huge part of Valentines Day every year is the traditional box of chocolates. The biggest problem is that there are only a few chocolates in a lot of packaging. This just seems like a waste and once again not very personal. In my opinion, most of the chocolates you buy are not even that good. Just as with cards, why not make you own sweets. This recipe has worked extremely well for me and is extremely easy to make:
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- 1 pint of strawberries ( long-stem better )
- 12 oz. package of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips ( A normal bag )
Melt the chocolate chips either in the microwave or in a double boiler on the stove. If you melt them in the microwave, be sure to use only medium power for about 1-2 minutes. If you use a double boiler, you simmer a few inches of water in a small saucepan. You then put the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl on top of the sauce pan. Remove once they are completely melted and smooth.
Prepare a cookie sheet or two with parchment paper to place the strawberries after they are dipped. Hold the strawberries by the stem by dip each in the chocolate until they are mostly covered and twist to get the remaining chocolate off. Place on the cookie sheet and give each strawberry an inch or two of space. Once all strawberries are dipped and placed on the cookie sheet, place in the refrigerator until chocolate is hardened on each strawberry.
This is such an easy recipe and only takes about a 1/2 an hour from start to finish. You can cover just about any fruit or sweet in chocolate and they will be taste just as good.
Buy Local
If you do buy items for Valentines day, check out local shops in your area. They will usually have more creative items that you can buy. I have purchased pieces of jewelry that are made from recycled materials from a local shop that looked beautiful and my fiance loved. Try to find a local flower shops that can sometimes sell organic or locally grown flowers. You can even find a restaurant that uses local produce and meats.
Please share any ideas that make this valentines day a little more green.
God I hate Valentines day
. It absolutely sucks. It is not about romance anymore, hasn’t been for many years. It’s just about buying stuff. I don’t wanna participate, but if I don’t my girlfriend will have me sleep on the couch 
See what kind of bullshit this has turned into?
Society conditions us to believe that we need to buy shit for valentines day to show we care.
But in reality, this ain’t rocket science, we should care and love others everyday.
It is purely business. And here is my other problem with men today. They buy stuff in order to get the girl or impress her.
Seriously are you that shallow? Do you not have anything better to offer than money? Money has a limit, your love, caring, etc. is infinite.
Great point tom. It makes extremely angry that marketers have turned the number 1 priority in this country to money. In order to have all the fancy stuff for holidays, you have to spend all your money. Instead of enjoying everyday and showing that we care about our loved ones, we are more worried about making the extra buck to buy something that is not that special anyways.
Exactly it comes down to comparing this.
What happens with those chocolates? You will stuff your face with it and get fat. The flowers will stand for a few days and then you will throw it away.
You give a hug, a kiss, sure it doesn’t stay forever but if you keep it up, it is free and the feeling is out of this world.