Green Gifts From the Heart

Everyone is thinking about the planet these days, but when it comes to this flamboyantly red and pink holiday, green gets pushed aside. Not anymore! Julia Black, assistant designer on Pure Design, offers some personal and romantic gift ideas that deliver loving greetings while still being kind to our environment.

Valentines
Leave no paper trail behind with an ecard, or go for a biodegradable or recycled paper card. Give your Valentine the personal touch and make one from left over wrapping paper, wallpaper or textiles. Download our vintage-inspired printable Valentines (see the related links above) and all you have to do is include a message. If you have children, making Valentines can be a terrific craft to share, plus you can use up all the scraps lurking around from the holidays.

Flowers
If you’re one to give or receive flowers, try switching it up with tree seedlings like Flowering Dogwood, Red Maple or White Oak. Plant your tree together and watch it grow throughout the years. Not only is your tree a long-lasting romantic reminder, it’s great for the environment and future generations!

Jewellery
Think vintage. You’ll be more likely to find unique, heirloom and classic pieces. Vintage makes an eco-statement because not only are you reusing an old item, you’re investing in smaller retailers rather than the mass-produced manufacturing companies. A tremendous amount of oil is used to manufacture, deliver and distribute big-box items, so when and if you can, buy from a local store or flea market.

Chocolate
Chocolate lovers, think organic and local. Cocoa beans cultivated through friendly farming practices make a real difference. You can often find organic chocolate bars at the local grocery store. Break up the bar and make homemade bark: Simply add some dried cranberries (for a hint of the festive colour), or some hearty organic nuts.

Dinner by Candlelight
If you’re wining and dining, try doing it at home this year. Creating a romantic evening in can be more thoughtful and satisfying than going out, especially on Valentines Day.  Support our farmers by making a meal at home. Consider buying locally grown produce, organically farmed foods or a bottle of red or white from a local winery.