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Making your life greener - one bite at a time.

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse for sending tokens of love to your nearest and dearest and to a secret admirer, or two!

But in our desire to show affection for each other, we can overdo it and create a lot of waste.

However, with a little planning, we can choose gifts and goodies that will bring joy to loved ones while caring for the planet.

Millions of Valentine’s cards are sent each year.

Here are some tips for making your Valentine's cards greener:

Send a e-card or text message – they are good for the environment and for your pocket (especially if you have more than one secret love!).

Make your own card from recycled items.

Look for cards in charity shops, where you know the profits are going to a good cause.

Always avoid over packaged cards and remember to recycle your card – or cards!

What about that Valentine’s gift?

There’s nothing wrong with flowers and chocolates, but there are ways of improving on the old tried and tested formulas:

Avoid flowers sent by mail order – they require so much packaging just to keep them safe during transit.

Order organic flowers from a local supplier and have them wrapped in paper that can be recycled and remember to compost or better still to dry the flowers afterwards.

Give your Valentine a rose bush to plant in his or her garden or a potted miniature rose to keep on the windowsill.

Choose organic chocolate with the fair Trade label.

Choose organic wines.

Make your love his or her favourite healthy organic treats / heart shape cake.

If bling is your thing, consider jewellery that is made from recycled materials.

Make your love a present instead of buying one...

A-Z of homemade Valentine's Day Gift Ideas...

http://ecobites.com/eco-arts-crafts-activities/diy-hearts-fabric-craft.html

If you want to pamper your loved one, choose cosmetics that are organic and not tested on animals.

Make a donation to a non-profit as a Gift.

If they’re the star of your life, name a star after them.

Looking for love: (100% free) online dating/social networking site for the eco-conscious.

http://green-passions.com/defun/Greenblogs.html

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