Joe & I are planning on getting our Yellow Bird Project shirts for each other for Valentine's Day, since we have yet to order them. We're also hoping to go to an art nouveau restaurant in town, since it's where a lot of that movement happened in town. (A post on that later, which should be fun.) This got me thinking, though. Instead of more roses or more teddy bears, how could we treat ourselves & the planet better this Valentine's Day?
Like I did for Christmas, I'm putting together a list of fun gift ideas to show that just because you're thinking sustainably doesn't mean you're giving everyone incense & a hemp sweater. So, let's see what we've got. (Apologies for most of these things being focused on the ladies. Guys don't get as much attention on this holiday... though let's be honest. Who's enjoying the lingerie more?)
1. Jewelry: Don't worry. We're not talking diamonds (though it's easier and easier to find ethical diamonds). Ten Thousand Villages, along with hundreds of other fun things for your home, has great jewelry that you can feel good about wearing everyday. I love buying my sister jewelry, and the flower necklace I got her from Ten Thousand Villages is still one of my favorite finds. You can find all styles & things to fit your small, college student price range.
2. Clothing: Green Earth Bamboo has lots of sustainable linens & clothing, like this simple, sexy nightgown that–if you're a bit daring–they say doubles as a dress.
3. Skip gifts & go for experience: Instead of giving lots of plastic packaging, wrapping paper that will get tossed or lotion that will get used up, Mother Nature Network (in their own collection of gift ideas) suggests buying future memories–tickets to a favorite sports team's coming game or yoga classes. (Hint :)
4. Valentine's Day Dinner: Instead of going to the restaurant that needed reservations a month ago, check out what your hometown has to offer in terms of local food. Can you find local fare, or restaurants that buy food from local supplies? Can you buy ingredients at local co-ops or groceries to make a unique meal–maybe trying turnips or fresh yogurt for the first time?
And what dinner is complete without a cheers with some bubbly or wine? If you're like us & enjoy trying new wines as much as possible, why not check out some of these organic options for similar prices?
5. Chocolate: Duh! We all love it, but what we don't realize is that chocolate is a nasty business–damaging to the environment & to the human spirit, as one of the biggest sources of human trafficking. So when you're buying your sweetie those extra somethings special, make it EXTRA special by removing the guilt. Most cruelty-free or ethically-traded chocolate says so right on the label. They usual tells a nice story or gives facts about how much the workers appreciate it & love making chocolate for you. So love them back & learn moderation. Instead of the jumbo-sized box, buy a nice bar in your Valentine's favorite flavor combination (mine's ginger & as dark & bitter as possible).
6. Good Clean Love: You knew it was coming. If you're, umm, looking for extra spice & extra sexy, why not go for all natural products? Good Clean Love has a great slogan: Chemistry without chemicals. So instead of smearing God-knows-what on your most precious parts, why not try out these (truly innocent-seeming) products or these (less innocent-seeming, based on the book covers) gift sets?
If you do try them out, please. Please. Do not feel obligated to come back & tell me how great they are. I'm happier for you when I don't have to hear about it.
7. Flowers: I know. It's the best feeling to open the door to an armful of flowers. They touch all the senses, & it's an emotional experience that is hard to match. So when you head to the florist, try a gift that'll keep on giving. Instead of a dozen roses, buy a rose bush. Check out your state's native species & bring back a bit of true natural habitat. My favorite spin on bouquets?
"Stranger than Fiction"
Truly thoughtful, which is the point of the holiday, isn't it?
So there we have it. An update on all the classics. Hugs & kisses from France. We love you. With red & white hearts & boxes covered in tissue paper & doilies & conversation hearts & naked children with dangerous primitive weapons.
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2 comments:
...so long as those flours are stone-ground, whole wheat, unbleached, and organic. ; )
great list, Meg. like it or not, SOMEONE needs to let you know how those Good Clean Love products work.
i'd volunteer, but...you know...i just....
i'm blushing now.
i was blushing when i picked it... but i saw it on another site's list & was like, "well i guess they should now about them." then i thought about my parents reading this post. meh...
& yes, of course quality flours :)
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