While we’ve previously given you advice to green your valentine’s day, here’s another tradition to consider: flowers. Our advice? Ditch the roses.

Valentine’s Day roses are not only pricey, but often come with hefty carbon footprints after being flown from far distances, having  been plucked from pesticide-filled fields.  There’s nothing  that says “I love you”  more than chemicals filling one’s nostrils on a romantic holiday, right?

Instead, try giving your sweetheart a plant (that cleans the indoor air) or some locally-made chocolates.  Philly’s own John & Kira’s support organic suppliers, Flying Monkey Patisserie are baked from scratch right in Reading Terminal, & Capogiro Gelato uses dairy from local Philadelphia farmers. And that’s just a sampling.

Your lady-friend still yapping about flowers? Give her tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show – where there will be millions to look at.

Single this Valentine’s Day?  Feel free to go through your closet and donate you ex’s stuff to a local Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Happy Valentine’s Day readers! We love you!

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher