Why a dozen roses isn’t necessarily the best way to show your love, especially if you love the planet as well. Say no to the dozen roses pressure and instead choose creative crafty ideas this Valentine’s Day. 

The tradition of giving flowers made sense in the ancient world because love letters were impractical to a largely illiterate population. During the Victorian Era, the practice of giving flowers reached new heights when we began attributing different meanings to different flowers, creating a language of flowers. The number 12 for example, represents a complete cycle of 12 months or the 12 signs of the zodiac. But today, over a century later, the practice of giving a dozen roses is largely outdated, especially when you consider the impact that a bunch of roses has on the environment.

In fact, the 100 million roses grown for a typical Valentine’s Day in the U.S. produces an estimated 9,000 metric tons of CO2. Flowers are hauled across the continent in temperature controlled trucks so the precious red petals don’t wilt before reaching their destination. Depending on where they’re grown (such as in Holland), they may require artificial light and heating. In the U.S. for example, they’re largely grown in climate-controlled greenhouses.

Then there’s all the water that’s used to grow the flowers, considering in the U.S. drip irrigation is used much less often. And then there’s pesticide use, which can make workers sick and pollute soil and ground water for years to come.

Choosing sustainable and organic blooms is better because the flowers are likely grown using less pesticides as well as drip irrigation, rainwater collection, air pollution filters, and sustainable waste disposal. Fair Trade certified blooms means those that grow your dozen roses can expect higher than average wages and shorter than average work weeks. Buying locally grown flowers means you can choose blooms grown by people that you know so you can ensure better environmental practices. But no matter where your flowers are grown they require water and they’re grown in fields that could produce food. That’s why you may want to pass on flowers entirely.

Instead of flowers, think of the wide variety of ways that you could show your love this Valentine’s Day. Maybe you can plan to make a meal for your special someone. Or consider your craftier side and make your love a DIY card or DIY Valentine’s Day craft. The language of love doesn’t have to be about flowers. Especially since it’s become such a mega-industry.

Step outside the box this Valentine’s Day and find creative ways to spread the love while reducing your carbon footprint. And saving some cash as well. Flowers, especially quality flowers, can be a pricey endeavor.

Do you live to get flowers on Valentine’s Day? If not, what would you prefer from your special someone this holiday?

Related on EcoSalon:

4 Single Lady Valentines’ Day Party Ideas

10 Hilarious Anti-Valentine’s Day Gifts That Only Your BFF Will Understand

Valentine’s Day Recipe: Vegan Strawberry Mousse

Image of a dozen red roses from Shuttershock

The post The Carbon Footprint of a Dozen Roses is Huge appeared first on EcoSalon.

Love is in the air and it’s oh so toxin free. That’s the message of the Sowing the Seeds of Love getaway packages by Joie de Vivre, a carbon reducing San Francisco-based hospitality management company that wants you to get off on going green February 14th.

It’s not as seedy as it sounds, but offers high quality indulgence for lovers with some extra dough. Hey, the benefit will probably outlast a bouquet of roses.

Each time you spring for one of the romantic packages, you will earn an EcoUnit, meaning a tree will be added to the California landscape while you spice it up on your sexy weekend. This deal is available not only on Valentine’s Day, but through 2010.

How does it get you in the mood while being true to the green?

Let me count the ways:

1. Sending an E-Card instead of pushing paper messages.

You will be sure to get your spouse, f-buddy, BFF or recent Facebook reconnection in the mood with poetry like You Rock my World, You Make a Difference, and I’m Glad We’re Friends.

2. One Night Stay in one of Joie de Vivre’s 35 California hotels.

Healthy furnishings and bedding, naturally. The hotels range from The Gaige House in Glen Ellen to the swank Ventanna Inn at Big Sur to the citified Hotel Angelino in…where else? Los Angeles. Book it here. Some are pet friendly, like the Los Gatos Hotel and Spa, but do you really want a four-legged third wheel when you’re going for the romance? I say leave Fido home with a dog sitter and the Lady and Tramp DVD.

3. A bottle of organic Bonterra California wine!

You can never go wrong with wine.

4. A romantic table for two at one of Joie de Vivre’s restaurants. This could be the 4-course, Four-Play Menu at Midi in San Francisco where the selection has been inspired by aphrodisiacs such as oysters for starters and dessert of a chocolate duo, or the Chills, Chocolate and Roses menu at Fuego in Long Beach.

5. Ecodesiacs, coming right up.

This is what the company calls an aphrodisiac with a green twist. It involves a sensual organic treat, perhaps organic chocolates while you are soaking in the hotel tub, or local organic honey to drizzle on one another. How eco!

This would be a pretty transparent marketing ploy if Joie de Vivre wasn’t so committed to a green dream program of incorporating sustainability into its core business practices – one aimed at raising the consciousness of employees and guests on the reduction of waste and toxins, conservation of natural resources and the benefits of partnering with local and eco friendly businesses.

The post Sowing the Seeds of Love: Green Valentine’s Package for Ecodesiacs appeared first on EcoSalon.