Valentine's Day—or, as one of my friends calls it, Singles Awareness Day—is fast approaching. As with any consumer holiday, an amazing amount of garbage will be generated this week and next, as drug stores chop prices to move their inventories (hello, Easter!). This afternoon I bought myself a tiny Russell Stover heart box and was amazed at how little candy there was for all that packaging! Fortunately, most of these boxes are recyclable, but as with water bottles and other beverage containers, the big battle is getting people to do it. I therefore urge you to discard only the plastic portion of your Valentine's candy—the rest can and should be sorted out with your paper and cardboard recycling!
By the way, there are a few other things you can do to make your Valentine's Day a little greener, starting with the flowers. If you're going to buy roses for your loved one, try to get organic! Ask your florist if they stock organic flowers—and if they don't, tell them you'd be more likely to buy from them if they did! If you're ordering online, you can definitely get organic flowers (as well as other natural and fair-trade gifts) from 1-800-flowers.com and FTD. Oh, and the website Save Our Environment has a few other suggestions for things like jewelry- and chocolate-buying in their eco-friendly Valentine's guide. Enjoy! ∞
I'm gonna be on a big Malaysian Airlines plane this Valentine's night washing down Airborne w/ cheap red wine :-)
ReplyDeleteLong additional note...
Green Drinks NYC February Newsletter
WHAT: Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up for
a drink at networking events known as Green Drinks - its a chance to mix with
other like-minded people, share info and make friends. Many people have found
employment, developed new ideas, made business connections and had moments
of serendipity. It's a force for the good and its spreading around the world.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 12, 2007 from 6pm - 10pm - bring business cards!
WHERE: A different place each month. Join us this month at:
"Boucarou Lounge", 64 East 1st Street (bet 1st Ave and 2nd Ave) NY NY
tel : 212 529 3262 see web for details :http://www.boucaroulounge.com/
Take the F or V train to 2nd Avenue.
COST : $10 suggested donation
POWER: Bring your electric bill and sign up for WIND POWER and your entrance is free! So far Green Drinks has helped close to 300 people switch over to Wind Energy.
HOW: Walk, cycle, bus, subway or taxi (ok if more than two passengers)
Just go up to someone and say "are you green?", and you'll be made welcome.
I agree that overindulgent packaging is one of the most difficult recycling battles. My new vegetable peeler does not need to be packaged in a paperboard box.
ReplyDeleteIn Arizona, I was pleased to read about all the different types of material that could be thrown into your green bin, including junk mail!
For a great alternative to wrapping paper, try wrapping presents in the comics pages; it's great for a laugh.