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Photo: Leyla Mattison

How To Make Your Child’s Valentines More Earth-Conscious

Often times, Valentine’s Day can feel like a time of consumption. So many little gifts are exchanged…and then so many just end up just taking up space in your home. Endless generic cards stack up next to uneaten boxes of candy hearts, waiting for next year’s to join them. So why not break the cycle? Below we’ve lined up five tips to make your next classroom Valentine’s experience a more earth friendly– and meaningful!– one.

Graphic: Jessy Scarpone

Not Into sugar? Try Seeds

If sugar– and encouraging its consumption– isn’t your thing, try handing out seed packets for easy to grow, edible plants like lettuce or radishes. If you’re looking to add a little more creativity, try making seed bombs in the shape of hearts.

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Go For Fair Trade Chocolates

Chocolates are a staple of Valentine’s Day– but instead of getting the conventional brands (which have been plagued with ethical labor concerns in recent years), try looking for [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FDM6S1A” locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]fair-trade[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link identifier=”B010GJNZG0″ locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]nature conscious[/easyazon_link] chocolates that support the world and its citizens. Small business chocolatiers are also a safe bet (we’re personally partial to our local chocolatier’s botanic blends).

Graphic: Jessy Scarpone

Go For Plant Puns

The easiest way to infuse a little nature into your Valentine’s Day? Bring out the big puns. Nature is rife with sweet puns that have just the right amount of corniness to make them Valentine’s Day appropriate. Some of our favorites (courtesy of our illustrator Jessy Scarpone) include: “You’re dill-ightful”; “Pine-ing for you”; “It’s been a tree-t”; and “You’re di-vine!”.

Use Seed Paper

We try to substitute seed paper for every craft we can– it’s an easy way to divert waste from your garbage to your garden. Plus, there’s something poetic about planting a card made with love and watch it grow into a little patch of wild flowers. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can shape your seed paper into paper roses!

Graphic: Jessy Scarpone

Support Your Local Florist

Getting flowers for the teacher? Look for a local florist who sources their flowers seasonally. Don’t worry– whether you’re in the Bay Area or New York or Portland, we’ve got a recommendation for you. Not sure what flowers to get? Check out our guide to expressing love through flowers.

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