Valentine’s wishes
For all you romantics out there… some eco-Valentine’s suggestions!
Lovey dovey cards… heart shaped boxes… buy one get one free on bottles of cheap Prosecco… it’s difficult to escape the fact that today is Valentine’s Day. If you have a significant other then it’s time to get your pennies out (and so soon after Christmas!) and if you’re single then it’s more salt in the wounds. Not that there’s anything wrong with the single life – at least you don’t have to shell out for fluffy toys or massive cards with teddy bears on them. Count yourself lucky.
With so much conspicuous consumption, and the sneaking suspicion that the calendar may slowly be filling up with “holidaysâ€? every month, it can be easy to become jaded and cynical. But it is possible to have a green Valentine’s Day, and it’s nice to be able to buy your other half a present with a clear conscience.
Some of the best known brands in the UK have come together to create Love (RED), a special Valentine’s version of the (RED) Aids charity. From Apple to LoveFilm, Converse to Lulu Guinness, there should be something for everyone, and up to 50% of the profits go to the foundation’s work in Africa.
If you’re more of a straightforward chocolates and flowers kind of person, there are plenty of ethical options available. Green & Blacks, Divine and Montezuma all have indulgent options for romantic chocoholics. And Arena Flowers are the first supplier in the UK to sell ethically sourced blooms with the “Fair Flowers Fair Plantsâ€? mark. They offer free delivery to the Wharf area and ensure that growers around the world are treated fairly.
For something really heart warming, why not checkout Share the Feeling, based just up the road in Hackney? They produce handmade cards and gifts using the talents and skills of local people with learning disabilities. Under the watchful eye of the dynamic Angie they create a truly inspiring range and their website is a delight. They also produce cards for weddings and birthdays and are a great local success story. Spread the love!
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