Sustainable Valentine’s Day
February 7, 2017
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Whether you have a significant other, best friend, or just want to treat yo self this holiday, make sure you do it sustainably. We’ve got some great tips to show that special someone you care while also being friendly to the environment and to the human body!
Cards
Rather than waiting in line for an overpriced cheesy card, make your own! Use recycled or scrap paper and write your own note! It’ll be much more personalized and cut your carbon footprint!
Flowers
Don’t buy pre-cut bouquets! On average, 200 million roses are cut each year for use on Valentine’s Day, and in order to preserve that many for a single day, a toxic combination of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides are what keep the flowers looking so “fresh”. A better idea: Buy your significant other a beautiful pot and give them soil and their favorite flower seeds so they can grow their own, pesticide-free plant! However, if you still plan on buying pre-cut flowers, make sure they are fairtrade and organic certified.
Perfume/Cologne
Don’t give your significant other a carcinogenic and pore-clogging spray to cover their scent. Rather, give them something natural like essential oils or handmade soaps! Soaps can easily be made using essential oils and castile soap! Other additions like honey, oatmeal, and dried flowers can spruce up your handmade soap!
Chocolate
To ensure you’re giving the best quality chocolate to your loved one (or yourself) make sure to buy organic and fairtrade certified treats! Buying organic chocolate means the cocoa trees haven’t been sprayed with pesticides and fairtrade means it was produced without the use of slave or child labor, and that farmers are receiving fair pay for their hard work. Look for these labels! Organic and fairtrade chocolate can be found at places like the Ashland Food Co-op and Shop N’ Kart!
Did you know that your Valentine’s celebrations have an impact on pollinators? Bees and other pollinators are responsible for 1 in 4 forkfuls of food, including yummy things like coffee and chocolate! OSPIRG, the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group will be having a table on Tuesday, February 14th from 10:30-1:30 in the SU courtyard to petition the use of neonicotinoids, a bee-killing pesticide. If you sign a petition you will receive a flower to give to someone special or keep for yourself! Hope to see you there!
Have a happy and sustainable Valentine’s Day!
https://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/green-valentines.html https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jennifer-grayson/eco-etiquette-whats-the-e_b_1264647.html https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/chocolate-production-zw0z1303zpit
