How do you show your lover your true feelings? How do you share your love of the planet with your sweetie? Will a diamond, chocolates, flowers really prove your love?

Maybe these are questions you are asking yourself...maybe not. But, every Valentine’s Day in the United States, the materialism and consumerism that pervades our culture is corroborated in the name of love. With continued evidence of human caused climate change and our wallets suffering, maybe this year is the chance for you to show your love a different way.

Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day ideas:
>> http://www.treehugger.com/green-valentine/ a whole day of love
>> http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2008/01/recycle-project-no-11-egg-carton-turned.html easy, crafty project

For those of us that are not too crafty or don’t have the time, consider trading for/purchasing a green gift.
>> http://www.swaptree.com trade your stuff for someone else’s stuff without having to empty your wallet!
>> http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9100081 longest lasting bouquet ever
>> http://www.etsy.com/category_top.php?top_tag=vintage handmade vintage items
>> http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/environmentally-friendly/102
>> http://www.alchemyboutique.net/ local! in carytown
>> http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/home.php fair trade, also has store in carytown
>> local farmer’s markets

If your hunnybunny really wants that pink diamond, those yummy chocolate truffles, or fragrant roses, PLEASE go ahead and make your boo happy! We don’t want our suggested Valentine’s Day gifts to be the cause of a break-up. But, just consider another gift that shows you put time and effort into it, and you can always find eco-friendly chocolates, diamonds, or flowers.

...isn’t it the thought that counts?