“I love you, so here are some decomposing dead flowers.”

It doesn’t sound very nice, yet when flowers are received on Valentine’s Day we shriek with excitement that the one of our desires has sent us these colorful dead organisms. Chocolate may sound like a good idea also, but in reality you’ll be giving your special someone a product that uses exploited labor from other countries, inhumanely treated animal products, and chemical processing.

I’m already getting butterflies.

So, if you are going to buy flowers, make sure they are Fair Trade Certified Flowers. And for the chocolates? Buy organic!

Last but not least, the sappy and fantastic Valentine’s Day cards. In the age of technology, I am all for E-cards. I think they say the message just the same. For me, I think they may even be more special, knowing no trees were harmed in the battlefield of love.

Remember: gifts are nice, but it is the special little things that really make for an amazing day. Writing a song or a poem, a walk to your own secret special place, or simply being together is what Valentine’s Day is all about. Don’t let Hallmark or any other commercial corporations make you forget that!

I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with lots of love, happiness, and cuddling.