MOUNT VERNON — Green is the new red. At least for Valentine’s Day 2008.
In the rush to “be green,” many Americans are rethinking the day of love and their part in it. Does giving flowers transported from South America burn an unfair share of fossil fuel and leave a carbon footprint larger than a bouquet of roses? Where are those chocolates made and do they contain pesticides? Is taking a sweetheart to a movie an ecologically sound choice? Are greeting cards recyclable?
And, in these tough economic times, is it wise to pre-spend the upcoming tax rebate on gifts for Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is about love, about letting loved ones know they’re cared about. Can only roses and chocolates make that statement?
Natalie Bettencourt, a writer for Budgetsavvy magazine, tells of a couple who visits their local gift store together on Valentine’s Day. They each pick out a card, meet in the aisle to exchange them, share a kiss and a laugh, then put the cards back on the rack and leave the store, smiling.
“This example may be extreme,” she writes, “but it supports how, with a little creativity and perhaps a bit of humor, you don’t have to spend tons of money to let that special someone know how much you love them.”
The National Retail Federation recently released a report that predicts the average consumer will spend $122.98 on Valentine’s Day, up slightly from last year’s $119.67. But that translates to a total of more than $17 billion nationwide and in this nervous economic climate, that’s a lot of spending.
Greg Karp, author of “Living Rich by Spending Smart,” said, “Hitting the mark on Valentine’s Day doesn’t require taking a hit to the wallet.”
Karp is of the opinion that, instead of spending lots of money, sweethearts should agree on alternatives that meet their need for affection and romance while keeping costs low. He suggests moving the celebration to the following weekend, when it’s easier to get restaurant reservations and a babysitter, and when post-Valentine’s discounts and markdowns are in effect.
Bettencourt recommended taking advantage of those markdowns — after every holiday, in fact — and stocking up on supplies for next year. Because Christmas and Valentine’s Day share a favored color, red, take time during post-Christmas shopping to find red tissue paper and bows, chocolates wrapped in red foil, red gift bags and luxury gifts on sale.
Karp recommends alternatives to expensive dinners out, such as preparing a special meal together at home, going out for breakfast or going to an elegant restaurant just for dessert. Or go somewhere free ... an art or history museum, the zoo, a concert, winter hike or cross-country skiing adventure.
Mount Vernon resident Erin Salva has her own ideas for a frugal and green Valentine’s Day.
“I must confess I don’t really buy in to the Valentine’s day marketing scheme,” she said. “Do we really need a special day to shower the people we know with love? Thursday can be a day to simply give thanks for the people in our lives, from the checkout person at the grocery to our co-workers and family.”
Salva believes that presents are not the most important remembrance.
“For those who want to honor a loved one in a special way,” she said, “how about the gift of time, touch or presence? Make a gourmet meal together ... turn off the TV, light an organic soy candle and use cloth napkins. After dinner, take time to share a foot rub or back rub.”
Salva suggested skipping roses in favor of giving seeds for an herb garden, or buying a live shrub or tree that can be planted in the spring.
“Bake cookies or other goodies for your valentine and package them in reusable and/or recyclable containers,” she said. “Buy cards of recyclable paper, send e-mail cards ... or make your own from recycled paper or magazines. Nothing says ‘I care’ more than something you take time to make yourself.
“Or make a donation to an environmental organization,” she added.