Planet-Friendly Valentines

No classroom Valentine’s Day parties for our kids this year. (Not going to lie… It was usually a struggle to get the girls to create theirs so I’m cool with this.) But I’m encouraging them to create valentines to send to the people who are really important to them.

We’re signed up for a virtual watercolor valentines craft on Feb 13 through Watercolor Cafe on Mackinac Island, who we visited last summer and LOVED. And it got me thinking more about homemade valentines.

I recently bought a birthday card for Marina, who turned 10 last month. It was SEVEN DOLLARS. I seriously debated going to the counter and asking for a refund, but didn’t. The card has jewels on it, it’s green - her favorite color - and the message was spot on. But could I have done better by the environment? For sure.

So, here we are at Valentine’s Day. Think of the people who would most appreciate a card from you. Do you think they’re looking for glitter and jewels and stickers and all that pizzazz? Heck no! They’re just happy to get a heartfelt message from you.

In comes eco-friendly valentines! Pull out construction paper. Cut into a heart (or a rectangle - no judgment!) and write a message inside. Mail. You can get fancy and add some artwork, but it’s the words that matter. Up to the receiver if they keep it or recycle it - no trash produced!

Email works too! It’s the effort that you put into the writing of the valentine and the care that you take in thinking on what you really value in that person.

Make someone’s day this week! It’s worth it, especially this year.