Waste Management Unveils 5 Tips and Alternative Gift Ideas to Show the Love and Go Green This Valentine’s Day

No matter what your take is on Valentine’s Day, it’s a perfect opportunity to celebrate love and show the Earth some, too. The holiday brings a multitude of greeting cards, colorfully wrapped gifts, and unfortunately, an influx in waste. Be an eco-conscious cupid and leave a little room in your heart for the environment by gifting ecofriendly items and recycling right.

“It makes sense that a few small changes can make a big difference for the environment when you consider all that goes into even the simplest gifts such as flowers and cards,” said Eloisa Orozco, spokesperson for Waste Management of Southern California. “With just a little imagination, you can show the environment love along with the special people in your life this Valentine’s Day.”

Green Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day

• Make it with love - Save money, trees, and other resources by hand-making unique cards and gifts using everyday items and recycled goods. You can also fill the hearts and tummies of loved ones by home-cooking a delicious Valentine’s Day meal using local and organic ingredients.
• Be a conscious consumer – Turn traditional gifts green if you prefer to purchase. Second hand stores are great places to find one-of-a-kind treasures. Consider buying heirloom jewelry or if you want to buy new, choose a retailer whose materials are certified ecologically friendly. When shopping for that beautiful bouquet, seek out organic flowers, free of harmful pesticides, from a store that composts and implements other green practices. Alternatively, think about planting flowers or a tree in your sweethearts name for a gift that keeps on giving.
• Give goodies that do good – Consider buying chocolate and other treats that are organic, fair trade and made using sustainable practices. Or, make your own edible gifts to include only organic, local, and quality ingredients.
• Paint the town green – When planning a Valentine’s Day date, consider selecting an eatery that uses local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. If you're planning a getaway, consider camping, a staycation or a green hotel.
• Recycle Often. Recycle Right.SM –Show your love for the environment by making the promise to always recycle bottles, cans and paper by visiting RecycleOftenRecycleRight.com.

ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com.