Did you know lead was found in some of last year's Valentine's day teddy bears? Chocolates are filled with preservatives, added colors, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and other additives. Flowers you get from the store can be covered in harmful pesticide residues. Flowers that are grown overseas do not have to follow the same guidelines as ones that are grown in the U.S. (Not that I'm sure the U.S. guidelines are that strict, look at all the stuff they let slide in our food and baby items...) There are organizations to look for that strictly control how the flowers are grown, some are: Veriflora, Florverde, Germany's Flower Label Program and Holland's MPS.
"Roses are red. Violets are blue. The very best gifts are those that don’t harm you."
This year perhaps you could say "I love you" with a homemade option, a DIY craft with your kids. Make a healthy dinner for the one you love with organic ingredients, take your Valentine to a restaurant that cooks with organic ingredients, invest in something healthier for your family in the house (organic bedding, organic groceries, or organic toiletries and cleaning supplies.) Buy some plants for indoors to better your indoor air quality. Join a CSA. Go to a movie, play in the snow, break out the board games. Ask your kids for some ideas and do things as a family. Isn't that what really matters? Being together with the ones you love?
Happy Valentine's Day!!
~Amsterdam Mom~
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