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 But today, over a century later, the practice of giving a dozen roses is largely outdated, especially when you consider the impact that a bunch of roses has on the environment.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.

If you’re leaning towards organic luxury, best ask Organica Deluxe founders Wendy James and Jane Hunter.

Their website testimonial reads: “Organica Deluxe is a place to buy eco-friendly and organic for ourselves and our friends. We recognized that organic companies often miss the gorgeous and even miss the green when creating packaging. We love chocolates and wines and wanted others to know organic choices are amazing. It is annoying to get a box within a box when receiving a gift. It is wonderful to bite into a cookie knowing it is delicious and made with the finest organic ingredients. We were tired of smelling flowers that were super-charged with pesticides. We wanted our babies to be clothed in pure organic cottons. We like companies who care about customers and put that caring into each gift package. We want to support eco-friendly artisans and farmers. We like to spoil ourselves and our friends with the extraordinary.”

James, the inspiration behind the Organica Deluxe concept, has eaten organic and avoided pharmaceuticals (in haute couture clothes) for her entire life and is a true supporter all things green. Partner Jane Hunter’s angle is learning all about how economic choices impact our world; she’s an entrepreneur who loves to give presents. Combine the two and you have a Mother’s Day powerhouse for gift-giving.

Choose from individual items like organic lavender plants in a biodegradable rice hull container to organic truffles, roses and eco-silhouettes. Better yet, custom design a box so that mom can know just how much more you love her.

She’d do it for you.

The post Mother's Day Made Easy with Organica Deluxe appeared first on EcoSalon.