There’s no denying that roses, those Valentine’s Day staples, convey a romantic mood, but unfortunately, most conventional blossoms are grown using loads of pesticides, then shipped from South America to retail outlets around the globe. Consider presenting a single stem instead of a dozen. It’ll make a dramatic impression, while reducing your impact for the day. If you’re a think-ahead type, ordering online through outlets that carry organic buds is another smart option. Look for the VeriFLora certification, which indicates sustainable growing. Worldwide, approximately one billion Valentines Day cards are sent out each year-that’s a lot of virgin paper that ends up in the trash. But who doesn’t get verklempt when a card’s sappy sentiments brings a tear to the eye? This year, skip the fuzzy-puppy-hugging-a-heart approach, pick up your desk scissors, and channel your inner school child. It’s time to go old school and ride out the workday by creating an original Valentine from the scrap paper and magazines lying around the office.

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