I do not celebrate or do anything special for St. Valentine's Day. I do remember sending and receiving Valentine's cards when a teenager but since I've been married, and have been aiming to consume as little as possible, it just looks like another way for big business to make money, often at the expense of the environment. However this year I have been approached by a friend doing a media studies degree who wants to interview me about my views or experiences of the day, so as it approaches, I have been unusually aware of all the advertising and activity connected with it, confirming my cynical view.
Valentine's negativity
So, where does my negativity come from? Perhaps it's the estimated one billion Valentine's cards sent every year, often made from non-recycled wood pulp and mostly thrown away soon after the day is over. And, tradition has it, you may not even know who sent it!!!
Maybe it's the flowers... yes they are pretty, may be beautifully scented and can enhance one's quality of life temporarily, but they have a huge carbon footprint. Although many are grown in the Netherlands, or even in Lincolnshire, lots get flown in from Africa, South America and other far-off places. Few are organically grown and thus use lots of pesticides and fertiliser, not just adding to their financial cost. If they are grown in colder climates, under glass, they need heating, again making them less green than they look.
I think it all boils down to the commercial hijacking of the day, that's what I don't like about it.
(Valentine's Day cut flowers can have a huge carbon footprint)
Eco solutions
So you want to show your love for someone? Why choose just one day? Are they 'expecting' you to do something special? Ok. some eco-solutions! Make a card using scissors, some magazines not yet put in the recycling, and some frugal glue, or even biodegradable sellotape (bet you didn't know that!). Your much adored recipient will be moved more with your 30 minutes creation than something costing £2.50 from Hallmark, even if it doesn't look like a work of genius. Trust me!
The flowers... well ask for organic, which will at least demonstrate that there's a demand. Or local, such as daffodils from Cornwall... or indeed, with the warm weather bringing them on in my York garden, I could cut some from the orchard. I've also got a fasciated willow bursting into fluffy catkins... and it needs a pruning, so I might do just that! And whatever flowers you buy or have, remember they are easily compostable!
Greener meal
There are loads of other greener alternatives when it comes to romance. Your special meal ingredients could be carefully chosen to show your ability to care for the planet as well as being health-giving and enjoyable. Chocolates can be luxury and fair trade. Organic wine is now available... it may not taste any better, but it doesn't use man-made chemicals and the vinyards are better for wildlife than sprayed ones.
If your Valentine's evening ends up between the sheets, you could find yourself adding to the planet's population... and there's too many of us already. So the most eco-friendly 'adult activity' is when you ensure that an unwanted pregnancy doesn't occur, so use contraception!
Historical accident
So who was Saint Valentine anyway? Well he was nothing to do with love, romance or even florists. He was a 3rd Century Christian Martyr, a bishop apparently. It is just a historical accident that his feast day (February 14th) is now connected with amorous activities. The Romans were said to celebrate Lupercalia on 15th February, a fertility festival, so if you accidentally miss Valentine's Day, wish your lover a 'Happy Lupercalia'!!
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