Simple Steps

Eco-bouquets
Sustainably harvested flowers are grown without pesticides or other toxic chemicals. They also support local flower farming communities and contribute to the general health and well-being of the earth. This year, skip traditional blooms from big flower farms and look for a beautiful, eco-friendly bouquet from distributors like EcoFlowers.com.

Green Cuddles
Give your lady the gift of sustainable sleep- and loungewear. Today, there are lots of options for green pajamas and even underthings. Check out Blue Canoe’s line of bamboo clothing; bamboo is a rapidly renewing plant, making it green and surprisingly comfy.

Better Bites of Chocolate
That box of mixed chocolates may be your Valentine go-to, but there are greener -- and tastier! -- ways to say “I love you.” As with any food, it’s important to ask a few key questions: Where is it grown? Are pesticides and/or herbicides used in its production? Do the farmers growing it earn a fair wage? Organic and fair trade chocolates are tasty options that you can feel good about. Look for brands like Dagoba, Divine Chocolate and Theo Chocolate.

Electronic Greetings
Tell your honey exactly how you feel, without wasting an inch of paper. Electronic messages are sleeker than ever, and they offer the recipient a Valentine experience that’s as good -- if not even better -- than the old-school paper method. Check out VerveCards.com, JanBrett.com and AmericanGreetings.com.

Sweet-smelling Sweeties
Looking for a V-day gift that goes beyond chocolates and flowers? Consider a soy-based candle, which emits no harmful chemicals as it burns. KissMyFace.com has scents like pomegranate acai and lavender mandarin. Or you can give your sweetheart a bubble bath or body lotion made from organic ingredients. SaffronRouge.com has a wide selection of quality lotions and potions that will satisfy even the pickiest Valentine.