Why not make your display of affection a gift that not only shows how much you care, but also a gift that gives back.
This year try something different for Valentine’s Day. Why not make your display of affection a gift that not only shows how much you care, but also a gift that gives back.
I heart changing the world.
Rather than donating money to a cause, Change.org is asking for your advocacy this Valentine's. You can start your own petition or sign a petition on behalf of the National Dance Teacher Appreciation Week! Then take your sweetie out to dance.
I heart fair trade chocolate.
No Valentine's Day is complete without a box of chocolates. Try guilt-free candy by purchasing fair trade chocolate. Divine Chocolate USA is owned by cocoa farmers from Ghana — the second largest cocoa exporter in the world. Fair trade guarantees that farmers earn a fair, livable wage for their work and aren't exploited in the process.
I heart wine and the environment.
This wine is not just good for your heart...it’s good for the environment. At Trinity Oaks it is as simple as, “Buy a Bottle and We'll Plant a Tree.” They will plant one tree for each bottle of wine sold. There's no limit to the number of trees they will plant, so buy a bottle of Trinity Oaks today and take one small step toward a greener tomorrow. Visit the program at OneBottleOneTree.com
I heart goats.
Nothing says “I heart you” like honey bees, or a goat. If the traditional flowers and chocolate gifts aren't really your thing, go with one of Oxfam's less traditional unwrapped gifts. In the name of love, you can plant 100 trees, provide a fisherman with a boat, or help rural farmers learn the latest beekeeping methods. Proceeds from your symbolic gift go to fund Oxfam America’s efforts to create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice in 94 countries. Your donation will go to the people who need it, and where it will have the greatest impact: to improve the lives of people living in poverty.
And, about the goat. For $50 you can give a goat to a rural community. A hardy goat is the gift of sustainability, which means fertilizer and food for families — especially those living in areas that cannot support less durable critters.
I heart gift cards
If you want something that's simple but says it all, try Charity Gift Certificates. Once you send your e-card, the recipient can then choose a charity to benefit from your gift. It's a win-win-win.
Or, make a donation, in the name of love, directly to one of our favorite organizations. One of our favorites is the Hetrick-Martin Institute. HMI believes all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential. They create this environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth between the ages of 12 and 24 and their families. Through a comprehensive package of direct services and referrals, Hetrick-Martin seeks to foster healthy youth development.
