13 February 2009

Happy "Valentime's" Day!

I actually think Valentine's Day is over-rated. So much pressure put on people to "show their love" during this one day of the year. It is really nothing but an opportunity for Hallmark, Stover's and the floral industry to make a mint. Really I am a romantic at heart but wouldn't it mean more if your loved one bought you a plant (something that lasts and helps the environment!) home one random day to surprise you rather than mortgage the house for those sterile red roses that are only going to be thrown away?

Alas, I am not completely cynical because I am now re-discovering the joy of Valentine's Day through my little Fiona. She was so excited to bring home her decorated tissue box yesterday to read through the notes. Amongst all the Transformer and Hello Kitty themed sentiments, I am sure Fiona's Valentine's stuck out. Why? Because, once again, we used the occasion to educate and spread our message of protecting the environment....


Fiona gave Endangered Species line of Valentine's Day card. The valentine's are printed on Green Seal certified paper using 30% post consumer recycled paper. The cards feature precious animals with messages such as:

* You make my heart leap.. (featuring the tree frog)
* You’re my mane squeeze. (featuring the lion)
* A little birdie said you should be mine. (featuring the sandhill crane)
* Have a grrrrrreat Valentine’s Day. (featuring the grizzly bear)

and also contained some fun facts about the animal featured. Each card was accompanied by a Endangered Species milk chocolate love bite.

Fiona loved giving the cards because she is an animal lover and they had corny/goofy jokes. She also liked that the cards were "kind to the Earth". I loved them because giving them spread a good message AND supported a great company. Endangered Species Chocolate gives back 10% of their profits to help support species, habitat and humanity. All of their chocolate is also 100% ethically traded from shade grown cacao grown on small family-owned properties. While I wish that they would give a bigger percentage of their profits, it still beats Hershey's hands down, eh?

I hope next time you have an occasion to give chocolate (birthday goody bags?, etc.), you will consider Endangered Species Chocolate.


8 comments:

S Engelmohr said...

I'm soo with you on Valentine's Day. I think it is very overrated and very expensive. We should be telling the ones we care about that we love them everyday. When one of my co-workers was asked what he gets his wife he said they make each other a card. They already go out for dinner on occasion so valentines is really just another day. I myself get a plant, normally a rose bush and it last for months to come.

Anonymous said...

That is awesome and I totally agree with you on Valentine's Day. We try and make our own, but this year I had to buy them as I was a bit pressed for time. Where did you find those? Love them.

GinSpaghetti said...

I totally almost bought some of the endangered species chocolate when I was at Walgreens last week but I wasn't sure if it would be good. I feel like that was a cop out but I'll certainly try it!!! Thanks for sharing! :)

Dawn said...

Oh, it's delicous chocolate...my favorite is the dark choc with mint and the dark choc with espresso beans!!

So glad you sent those out!

Not too into V-Day myself but the kids sure get excited~

Jen said...

I am totally with you. I saw those Endangered Species valentines too and thought they would be perfect. We may do those next year.

GinSpaghetti said...

Hey! I just came across this website, thought it was something you may like... I've not checked it out too much but I bookmarked it for later!
http://www.globalmamas.org/

LeeAnne said...

Love those Valentines! Did you find them in a local store or order online? I would love to do something like that next year.

Kimberly said...

LeeAnne: we actually ordered them online at the Endangered Species site. I mentioned in my blog that they "stood out", part of that is because they aren't as vibrant in person - a little dull and brown - but still, a good message!

It's funny because I wasn't implying that "store bought" valentines are inferior. Quite the contrary! I, apparently, offended some folks with my comments. Such is life....