Celebrating Valentine’s Day

Celebrating Valentine’s Day by Larraine Roulston ‘Protecting Our Ecosystem’ February 14th is traditionally celebrated with chocolates, red roses, fancy greeting cards, and dining out. Many school classrooms become decorated with hearts, retailers may set out wrapped candy hearts, several restaurants offer a Valentine’s Day special menu, and most communities host social events. For all of us who celebrate Valentine’s in the traditional way, we can help protect our ecosystem with the following suggestions: Fair Trade chocolate is a good choice — especially if found in packaging that doesn’t include plastic wrapping. Unfortunately, boxed chocolates have black plastic forms that are not recyclable. I wish that these forms were made of editable wafers, paper muffin cups, or boxboard squares. Instead of candy in a fancy plastic wrap, search for honey, pickled beets, red pepper jelly, raspberry/strawberry jam, or maple syrup in glass jars.These might be considered as the best Valentine’s Day gift ever. Check out the recipes for serving a delicious creamed beet soup. Pomegranates — a festive red jewel-like fruit offers a surprise gift for Valentine’s Day. The ‘seed’ covers, known as arils, are juicy, edible sacs containing a small crunchy seed. Both the aril’s sweet, red pulp and inner seed are enjoyable to eat as well as being packed with nutrients. The red rind can be composted. Pomegranates offer an abundance of health benefits that include potassium, that is necessary for healthy nerve function and heart rate regulation, as well as providing vitamin C. They are rich in antioxidants and a good source of fibre. This fruit may help improve kidney and heart health. Take your own reusable small bags or other containers to bulk stores to select candy or nuts. If you are having a Valentine’s Day treat at a fast food place, take your own reusable mug. Select a potted plant over chemically preserved roses that are imported from Columbia, or flower bouquets with plastic wrap. Select gifts and decorations from local retailers or thrift stores. Take a container that can be reused, to serve as your doggy bag for leftovers when dining at a restaurant. Avoid balloons if decorating your home or community event. Choose printed cards on FSC or recycled paper. Avoid sparkles which can’t be recycled. For inspiring artistic souls that enjoy creating their own homemade gift cards with cartoon images of vegetables, the Compost Council of Canada suggests the following.: My ARTICHOKE every time you are away. BEAN Mine. My Heart BEETS for you. LETTUCE be Friends. I CARROT a Lot for You. You look RADISH-ING! PEAS be Mine. You TURNIP the World for Me. I Love You from my head to my TO-MA-TOES. Like other seasonal events involving gift sharing, spread the love to make a Valentine’s Day donation to the food bank. Fredica Syren, presenter of The Zero Waste Family blog, states, “Zero waste isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, compassion, and staying accountable while still staying sane.”