Taiga Company

If you are looking to live a sustainable lifestyle and enjoy an eco aware Valentine's Day, then look no further! 
 
Here are some fast facts  from the U.S. Census Bureau :

• Each year, 180 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged in the U.S. And, this number excludes cards exchanged in classrooms between children.
• 65% of American households typically participate in Valentine’s Day by exchanging cards, going out on a date, or buying a gift such as chocolates, a plush toy, flowers, or jewelry.
• Over 36 million boxes of chocolate are sold each year

 
With that in mind, there are so many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with eco awareness.  Here are some great tips we have shared in our personal consulting with clients that have generated heartfelt success. 
 
The traditional gestures on Valentine's Day include a card, flowers, and some chocolate. 
 
Cards: consider giving a recycled card or send e-cards from BlueMountain or Hallmark.   For some other ideas check out Kate Spade's e-cards or Ojolie.
 
Buy local, organic flowers or visit Organic Bouquet for sustainable flowers and wreaths.
 
I love chocolate, so in my personal consulting, I draw from first hand daily experience.  Consider purchasing organic chocolate and from manufacturers that support Fair Trade, like Sweet Earth Organic Chocolate. Or you can do better by purchasing Endangered Species Chocolate. 10% of each sale goes towards protecting animals and their habitat. Check out the 7 best chocolate organic gifts including Chocolove, excellent chocolate with poetry inside. 
 
If you are thinking about dinner and some romance, either prepare an organic meal or find a local restaurant serving organic prepared meals.  Enjoy your meal by candlelight using organic soy candles or beeswax candles.  Try out some organic bath products, room scents, and aromatherapy to set the mood. 

Ladies, living a sustainable lifestyle doesn't mean we have to compromise on being sexy.  Check out the organic Silk Chiffon Raphael Blouse from CIEL for a great place to start your Valentine's Day shopping.
 
In our sustainability consulting we'd recommend staying local but if feel the urge to travel, then check out Responsible Travel for some eco aware options.

If none of the above ideas appeal to you, then other gift ideas include giving a gift certificate for a service, like a massage, yoga package, or holistic facial. Then your gift is doing two things: it makes your sweetie happy and supports a local business.

My personal favorite (besides the chocolate, of course) is to plant a tree.  Being that the taiga is all about trees and our company is Taiga Company, Dedicate a tree 4 Valentines the perfect sustainable, Eco friendly Gift.

Enjoy your special day and Happy Valentine's day to you!