07 Feb This Valentine’s Day, Show Some Heart

Image from OCA.

The Organic Consumers Association gives you a bunch of great reasons why giving a little bit more thought really shows some heart. From their website: 

 

Over 40 percent of the world’s conventional chocolate (i.e. non-organic and non-Fair Trade) comes from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), where the International Labor Organization (ILO) and US State Department have reported widespread instances of child slavery. Exploitation of cacao farmers and farm workers is the norm in the chocolate industry.

Organizations such as Pesticide Action Network point out that commercial flowers, produced in Colombia and elsewhere, are the most toxic and heavily sprayed agricultural crops on Earth.

Since OCA first launched it's Valentines alerts several years ago, half of Colombia's flower acreage has become Florverde Certified (which requires better treatment of workers and more sustainable farming practices). There are an increasing number of retailers across the US who are providing organic flowers.

The Organic Consumers Association has a Valentine’s Day page for a guide to Valentine’s Day shopping focused more on the US-local level, where you can download an OCA Valentine’s Day card and learn more about Fair Trade. 

But what about here in Austin? We are a bit blessed to have amazing ethical options for anything on your lover's or your self's wish list. Dawnielle's Note: Being with your self on valentine's day, even if you have a partner or a date, is a wonderful way to spend the holiday. Celebrating all the amazing things you love about your self can put a smile on your face that will indeed help to make the world a better place. 

So on to the gift list. 

#1 Give an experience – Time spent together is most memorable, whether it's with your family or loved one. Dine local, see a show, walk around Lady Bird Lake. Actually, see some of Brandi's previous suggestions in Valentines Day the Eco Way.

 #2 Give a give that shows you care:

• Edible Austin has a thoughtful and local handy gift guide.
• The Sustainable Food Center also has a list of vendors, including Flower Farmer Scott that you can find at their Farmer's Markets around town. His flowers are grown in compliance with organic standards just twenty miles away from downtown Austin!
• EcoChic Floral can make a sustainable flower arrangement for your loved one or an event. Some of them are even living plants (not cut) so they will last longer!
• Red Rabbit Cooperative Bakery has yummy vegan donuts for sale at places like Wheatsville Coop – which has hundreds of other options for your sweet tooth as well.
• SiriuS Chocolate, Raw, Organic, and Vegan can also scratch that itch.
• Theo Chocolate – Organic and fair trade chocolate from cooperatively grown cacao beans.
• EcoWise on Elizabeth street always has fun and practical ecogift options.
• Greenling has great baskets and recipe kits that you can order ahead of time to whip up something romantic and organic/local at home. ***Preorder your Fat Turkey Chocolates or Chocolate Covered Strawberries through Greenling now!***
• Barton Creek Farmers Markets at Barton Creek Mall and Highland Mall have wonderful vendors too and some awesome music too! (see today's blog)
• Check out the directories of GoLocal Austin and Texas Green Network for lots of local and green options!

#3 Celebrate Love:

LoveATX is having their annual Pre-Valentine's day Love Brigade on Wednesday, Feb 13th. Dress up in a fun costume and spread love! Read more. 

In.gredients is having a Valentines Day Single's Mixer on Thursday, February 14th. Happy hour prices, mulled wine, food specials and most importantly, GAMES! On top of all of that, the lovely ladies from Princess & Moose's Sister Bakery are providing us with a selection of DELICIOUS cupcakes. Free cupcakes and games?! Could you get any better? Check it out.