Chocolate
Is chocolate really as sweet as we all think? Chocolate production is responsible for harmful carbon emissions which contribute to the buildup of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Every year around Valentine’s Day, chocolates are sold to 47.5 percent of the nation’s population. Most people do not stop to think about where this chocolate is coming from. The cocoa beans that are used to make chocolate is only produced in tropical areas, mostly in developing countries. These developing countries heavily rely on cocoa production to fuel their economy. In order to gain more area to produce larger amounts of the plant, enormous areas of land are cleared out in order to be transformed into cocoa plantations. This habitat depletion leads to a loss in biodiversity and the threat of extinction for many species living in the tropics. Not only are the tropical countries that produce cocoa being affected, but the whole world as well. The cocoa has to be shipped by plane to America, releasing harmful carbon emissions that find their way into the atmosphere. Additionally, the packaging of chocolates also takes a toll on the environment and contributes to plastic ending up in landfills. So what are some alternatives to chocolate? Chocolates are such a staple to Valentine’s Day, so can we really eliminate them from the holiday? Perhaps instead of buying chocolates for your significant other, you can bake them something sweet at home instead. You can even support your local farmer’s market by buying a pie made from locally-grown fruits, which can be just as sweet as an assortment of chocolates.
Roses
Every year on Valentine’s Day, 100 million roses are sold in America, 80% of which are imported from South America. Transporting these roses releases 9,000 metric tons of carbon into the air, which contribute to the buildup of greenhouse gases. Moreover, these countries in South America are allowed to use pesticides like DDT and methyl bromide, which pollute natural ecosystems. Like the cocoa beans with chocolate, these countries rely on the roses for their ecosystems and clear land to plant them. This leads to habitat degradation, deforestation, and a loss of biodiversity. What can we do about this? This year, try to buy flowers locally to help eliminate carbon emissions and support small-scale farmers.
Cards
180 million cards are exchanged annualy on February 14th, accounting for more than half of the gifts given on Valentine’s Day. Trees are being constantly cut down to keep up with this demand, contributing to the already overwhelming amount of deforestation. What are some alternatives to giving paper cards? Try sending an e-card, writing a card on recycled paper, or even expressing your love for someone by telling them in person or giving them a phone call.
Green Secrets/ Dec. 2015 3 20153 3