Eco-Valentine's

(photo from Fake Plastic Fish)

After reading the Valentine's post by Fake Plastic Fish, I was just sickened by the amount of plastic, the amount of energy to make the stuff, and the amount of waste V-Day stuff creates. I rarely go into such stores that sell this C.R.A.P. The post forced me to remember that such stores exist and people actually buy this stuff to show their love. Ugh. According to Green Muze, "Valentine’s Day, second only to Christmas, is the western holiday that causes the most damage to the environment and exploitation of human health and well-being." Do we really need to go to such lengths to show our love for other people? Do me a favor, instead of spending your money on C.R.A.P., please send the money you would have spent on your loved ones for earthquake relief charities in Haiti (click here for the list) and celebrate V-Day using these eco-friendly options:

* bake and decorate heart-shaped cookies
* create a card with a special one-of-a-kind message or send an e-card
* breakfast in bed with heart-shaped pancakes or eggs
* cook a special meal and have a candlelight dinner
* get a babysitter (barter with a friend) and go out on a date: snowshoeing by moonlight, walk along the shore and skip rocks, go for a hike, or go biking/cross-country skiing/do any activity
* handmade "gift certificates" for a massage by you or other special favors (be creative!)
* create a painting
* make a craft such as a wall art piece or a button bouquet (see pic below)

Spending time together with loved ones is far, far more important than anything else in the world. C.R.A.P. need not apply. The tips above will cost you zilch if you use your noodle and/or what you have on hand. Such a gift will be much more meaningful than what money can buy.

Or you can be anti-Valentine's. This so-called holiday was invented by Hallmark purely for profits. They are raking in the cash (2nd to Christmas, remember) and laughing at you, suckers. And good riddance to Mother Earth on top of that. You, you, you, and YOU in the blue shirt hiding behind your computer, can make a difference. Simply DEARS: Drop Everything And Reduce/Stop (buying C.R.A.P.). Mother Earth and I will thank you.