Guest Author - Arcadia Maximo

The one day of the year when it is appropriate and acceptable to display some PDA is here, Valentine’s Day! I have heard those saying it’s just a scam for the greeting card and chocolate companies and then there are those who are giddy with anticipation.

I for one enjoy this holiday. It takes me back to the cute parties we had at elementary school and the surprise box of chocolates my dad used to give me. He always gave my mother jewelry. I used to tell her, thank God she had me as a daughter, so I could steer my dad in the right direction of tasteful earrings as oppose to tacky ones!

I still enjoy the cute Valentine cards and decadent chocolates just in a more grown up way. Below is a list of some of my favorite Valentine Day treats:

If I were to ask you what supermodel Elle MacPherson and red roses had in common would you guess they were both six feet! Over at Organic Bouquet, you can purchase the most beautiful red roses at six feet tall with blooms that open to 4” wide! They sell other flowers as well such as daisies, tulips, and lilies. Of course purchasing flowers from your local farmer’s market is just as eco-friendly since you know they were grown nearby.

I think chocolate is to Valentine’s Day what candy canes are to Christmas! Surprise your sweetie with a box of fair trade chocolate. I’ve mentioned it before in this column. I just can’t justify buying any other chocolate that isn’t fair trade! Luckily there is Vere. I have tried this “chocolate with benefits” (health benefits that is) and it is exquisite!

Wait! How about those of us who may not have found our sweetie yet! Most of us have heard of online dating and maybe have even experimented a time or two. Well, there are sites devoted just to the eco-friendly! Check out Green Single or Green Passions. Love is the new green!

I personally wouldn’t mind spending a quite evening at home with my special someone. My fellow eco-warrior and friend Wendy Strgar has a site called Good Clean Love. Here you can find an assortment of goodies like oils and candles that are sustainable and natural. This will truly help set the mood at home. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of organic sparkling wine!

If you don’t have time to plan an elaborate date then send a card – a card that blooms! I received one this past Christmas and thought it was the coolest thing! I couldn’t find a site where you could purchase such cards but I did find a site that gave instructions on How to Make Home Made Paper You Can Plant. You could then make your own special occasion cards. Don’t forget a way to someone’s heart is through the stomach. Our very own Desserts Editor, Anita Burroughs shares with us The World’s Best Chocolate Raspberry Brownies. This recipe could very easily be adapted to organic standards.


Lots of love this Valentine’s Day!