Careers in Fashion

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Each day is Valentine's Day...

... but even so, for some reason we choose to celebrate love on February 14th. :) So for all of you lovebirds out there who want to show someone you care, all whilst showing the planet some love, I've compiled a list of eco-friendly Valentine's goods. These are way better than stuff you'll find at the nearest convenience store, promise (though you can find some of these things there...) You've still got time, so go and scoop these up, quick!


Cards from the heart

The first item on your list is probably a heartfelt card. Instead of defaulting to Hallmark, why not express and create your own sentiment? Making cards (from recycled and reusable paper, cardboard, ribbons, buttons, etc.) is a cute, fun way to share your love… and makes you feel like a kid again. I like to use old photos or magazine cut-outs to make something one-of-a-kind. You can even up-cycle your old cards by cutting out the picture on the front and placing it on your new card. Last year we even suggested taking blank cardstock and covering it with your own lipstick-covered kisses—alternate shades of red, pink, even purple to make a sweet statement that’s all your own. Finish by spritzing the card with your favorite perfume.


No time to make a card? No sweat. Try cards by Green Field Paper or Tree-Free Greetings. We especially love their plantable cards… this way your gift covers both the card and flowers! But if that’s not quite enough…


Love in full bloom

Show your valentine how much you care… about him/her and Mama Earth! A big bouquet of red roses may seem like a surefire hit, but remember that most of the flowers bought and sold in the U.S. (at least 60%) are actually harvested in countries like Colombia and Ecuador, and with a hefty amount of pesticides. According to the Environmental News Network, those r

oses can contain up to 50 times the amount of pesticides that are legally allowed in our food. That’s no way to say “I love you!” Say it instead with a local, seasonal, beautiful bouquet. Simply visit your local farmer’s market and ask for what’s in season; you can select fresh or dried blooms. Your sweetie will love your thoughtfulness. Got a long-distance love? Check out an online organic flower delivery service. Good ones:


Organic Bouquet Your love will flip over their certified organic, sustainably-grown roses or tulips. Even better, you can add on a box of Life Is Sweet organic, fair-trade certified gourmet chocolates, which come in a recyclable and biodegradable box. Sweet, indeed!


Diamond Organics is another gem. All of their flowers are grown by American organic flower farmers in California and Hawaii. This awesome site also features free delivery, and this week you can even save an additional 10% with their Valentine’s promo code. If you really want to wow your loved one, order their elegant organic wine sampler.


California Organic Flowers is another site to try, and they will deliver to anyone in the

continental U.S. Flowers are shipped priority overnight for $14.95.


Say it with... chocolate!


You already know you should be eating organic chocolate… it’s good for you! Share some with your sweetie today. Now there is such an abundance of tastebud-tantalizing organic, fair trade, and just plain yummy chocolate to choose from, you can just waltz into your nearest grocery store and snag quite a few varieties. A few to try:


Chocolove. This is the sweet candy bar with an even sweeter message tucked inside: you’ll find a love poem in every package. And for those of you with dietary concerns, Chocolove is certified kosher, and most bars are also vegan (the company takes great pains to whip up milk chocolate separate from the dark, dairy-free recipes). Chocolove is also part of the World Cocoa Foundation, which supports cocoa farmers worldwide.


Another favorite: Dagoba organic chocolate. Try their tasting squares for the perfect bite-sized portion. The lavender blueberry dark chocolate is sure to hit a romantic note.


Equal Exchange is another great place to look for organic chocolate (and coffee!). Check out the site’s great guide to pairing chocolate and coffee (a match made in heaven). And try their Organic Very Dark Chocolate (71% cacao)—it’s vegan, gluten-free and the site’s top seller.


For the gourmet chocolate lover, you simply must try Terra Nostra. This organic and fair trade company offers a truly decadent assortment of truffles and bars. If you’re feeling lavish, give their complete organic chocolate bar collection gift box. Your gift will be swiftly devoured, but never forgotten.


You can also order some divine organic truffles from OrganicBouquet.com. Their assortment of handmade ganache will make your mouth water!


Swoon-worthy

You’ve got the flowers, card and chocolate. Now sweeten the deal with a cute little ensemble... Try on Indigenous Design’s adorable little knit dress in ruby, made from organic cotton and tencel. This red-hot number is perfect for a night out or in.


Sweet face

Complete your V-Day look with the perfect glow. Organic beauty products will help you look and feel your best and brightest. We love Tarte’s Flower Child Natural Cheek Stain. This eco-chic product is made with Tarte’s exclusive T5 Super Fruit Complex, a blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, açaí, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. It’s blissfully made without nasty parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes and fragrances and other chemicals that block your glow. Plus it’s the perfect shade of pink that complements every skin tone. Grab a tube at Sephora.com.


Another cool way to glow: with The Body Shop’s new Love, Etc. collection. Give your sweetie the gift box including the Love, Etc. Eau de Parfum, (a blend of jasmine, neroli and bergamot with notes of vanilla and sandalwood), body wash and body lotion. Buy the whole set, or each product individually, at a current reduced price. The Body Shop is a great line to support because the company is against animal testing and for sustainability and community trade.


Bejeweled

No Valentine’s Day is complete without a little bling. But don’t buy into all those jewelry store ads; try rocking something vintage instead, and lessen your environmental impact. Shop vintage and thrift stores for one-of-a-kind finds that you or your Valentine will cherish forever. We love the line Vintage by Kate, jewelry created by a Boston-area artist who re-styles vintage beads from the 1930’s and ‘40s into wearable, modern pieces. The vintage pearl rose quartz necklace would make an especially sweet gift for anyone who wants to echo a charming and romantic era.


Find it (and the little red dress!) online at Jute & Jackfruit.


Got a few sweet suggestions of your own? Sound off in the comments below! Happy V-Day!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lovely idea for a post!!! I love Valentines Day....it's nice to share the love!

Raquel said...

happy late love day erin!
yummy chocolates and I love bodyshop!
I am going to the post office tomorrow to send your magazines :)
x