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 the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher