News

Have a Heart

If you’re thinking of buying Valentine’s gifts for loved ones, why not start new waste-free traditions! Instead of a bouquet, consider a walk through the Washington Park Arboretum, a botanical garden, or the rose garden at Ballard’s Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. In lieu of the standard box of sweets, consider a tour of Seattle’s Theo Chocolate. Or for jewelry, consider a visit to antique shops to look for treasures.  A trip to the Northern Trail of the Woodland Park Zoo or NW TREK and you will find the real teddy bears.

You can also save wrapping paper and ribbon by giving experiences and gift certificates. The best gifts are ones you can share! Make a nice dinner together, eat out at a favorite restaurant, go to a museum, the theater, or a concert – Seattle offers experiences for every taste and interest.

The Big Picture

About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged in US each year, including packaged kids’ cards. According to Hallmark, that's the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.

In many households, cards are given along with sweets, gifts, stuffed animals, or flowers. All of these products and their packaging create waste that could be avoided by choosing card and gift alternatives.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency | Hallmark Corporation | Greeting Card Association

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