ahhhh... l'amour...

yup, once again, it's time to dole out beaucoup buck-a-roos to show your true love that your intentions are pure and to make up for whatever things you have - or haven't - done for her lately (ok, so i'm a little cranky today... :). while you're at it, why not be a little... you know... responsible while kissing her darling derriere and look for these labels on this year's stock of yummy chocos and fragrant flora? (thanks to greenerchoices.org for this info!)

sustainable chocolate


organic chocolate is produced without most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers or genetic modification. growers also emphasize the use of renewable resources and conserving soil and water to enhance environmental quality. search for “organic chocolate” online or look for options at natural and gourmet grocery stores.

fair trade chocolate is produced by farmers and workers in developing nations who receive a “fair” price for their product. Trade is done directly between farmer-owned cooperatives and buyers. crops are grown using soil and water conservation measures that restrict the use of harmful pesticides. To find ftc products, visit transfair usa.

rainforest alliance chocolate is grown using integrated pest-management systems that limit the use of pesticides and fertilizers. crops are grown using water-, soil- and wildlife-habitat conservation measures. farm laborers are paid salaries and benefits equal to or greater than the legal minimum wage of their countries. for a product directory, visit the rainforest alliance.

sustainable flowers

organic flowers are grown without most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers or genetic modification. growers also emphasize the use of renewable resources and conserving soil and water to enhance environmental quality. to find organic flowers, visit organic bouquet, california organic flowers or diamond organics.


veriflora flowers are grown using water-, soil-, and habitat-conservation measures. the use of pesticides and fertilizers is also restricted. farm laborers are compensated and protected according to international, national or locally recognized standards. for a list of products and to learn more about this label, visit veriflora.

fair trade flowers are produced by farmers and workers in developing nations who receive a “fair” price for their product. trade is done directly between farmer-owned cooperatives and buyers. crops are grown using soil and water conservation measures that restrict the use of harmful pesticides. To find fct flowers, visit 1800flowers.com.

biodynamic flowers are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetic engineering or animal by-products. additionally, flowers may not be grown in areas subject to strong electromagnetic fields. to find biodynamic flowers, visit organic bouquet or harms vineyard and lavender fields.

local flowers.
Particularly if you live in a temperate area, buying local flowers, which may or may not be certified, is another option. To find out if there’s a seller near you, check local harvest, a searchable database of local agricultural products.

to learn more about these labels, visit greenerchoices.org's eco-labels center.