Walking into the department store, I'm almost blinded by all the shiny pink and red mylar balloons, crinkly packages of chocolate and candy and nearly-neon underwear that dominate my field of vision. It must be nearing Valentine's Day. Many people haven't even recovered from the holiday rush of consumption and waste, and now marketers and retailers are telling us that we need to spend more money and use up more stuff to tell those we love that we love them. But with all that candy and flowers and chocolate and cards can come environmental destruction and pollution and poisoning from pesticides, as well as animal cruelty, slave and child labor, and even war.Fortunately, the Center for a New American Dream has created an e-book, Simplify Your Valentine's Day (pdf) to help us show our love in more creative, sustainable ways. They offer alternative suggestions and resources to the traditional types of gifts, as well as more unique methods for expressing your love, whether for significant others, family or friends.
~ Marsha
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2 comments:
My BF & I had a conversation and agreed that Valentine's Day is not going to be one of the holidays we observe as a couple. Instead, we're going to focus on finding our own ways and times to remind each other that we love each other. That can be something as simple as enjoying a romantic dinner by the fire or browsing a bookshop together after brunch. I want sincere, spontaneous (or planned) expressions of love, not obligatory commercialism.
Thanks for sharing your plans, urbancritter. It's good to know how others are making MOGO choices about holidays like this one :)
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