Do you have a Klean Kanteen? I do, and I love it! The bottle is indestructible and it keeps me drinking water all day long which is something I have a habit of forgetting to do!
Environmental Defence are excited to help you plan your Valentines Day gift buying with an awareness of potential toxins. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below.
Tainted Love: What Not To Get Your Valentine
This Valentines Day, when Cupid sets about the delicate task of inspiring love with his bow, the last thing you want is to suffer the slings and arrows of toxic gifts.
Whether you’re planning on presenting your valentine with a bouquet of red roses, musky cologne or a teddy named Freddie, there’s a chance that you may also be exposing them to toxic chemicals.
Here are some tips to help you find toxic-free gifts for your sweetheart this Valentines day:
Personal Care Products: Before she even makes it to the breakfast table, the average Canadian woman has probably used almost 15 personal care products. Canadian men are not too far behind, using more personal care products than ever before. It’s no wonder cosmetics, colognes and lotions continue to be popular Valentine’s Day gift items, year after year. Many may not be aware that these 15 personal care products can contain over 100 toxic ingredients, ten of which have been published in our convenient “Toxic Ten” pocket shopping guide. This year, as you search for the scent that so perfectly captures the essence of your valentine, check the ingredients on the product labels for those “Toxic Ten”.
Toys: The best way to avoid toxic chemicals in Valentine’s Day themed toys, like stuffed animals and heart shaped pillows, is to choose items that are made from natural materials such as organic cotton. In light of recent media reports, it is also suggested to avoid fabrics that contain flame retardants (PBDEs), a chemical that could be potentially ineffective, as well as dangerous.
Flower Arrangements: That colourful foliage might look fresh, but when it comes to cut flowers, many florists order their blooms from developing countries where there are no regulations against the use toxic pesticides. While these harmful chemicals are banned in Canada, imported flowers are not tested for pesticide deposit. Traditional floral foam is also a cause for concern. By absorbing and retaining water, these spongy green blocks work great as a base for flower arrangements, but they may also contain toxic elements, including formaldehyde. Along with irritating and damaging the respiratory system, formaldehyde is known to cause cancer and is a sensitizer that can cause and aggravate severe allergies. So, what can you do to avoid these not-so-pretty poisons? Next time you plan a visit to your florist, we advise you to stray away traditional from floral foam and keep a lookout for two factors: 1) Locality and 2) Pesticide-Free. By choosing local and pesticide-free flowers that do not use traditional floral foam, not only will you be supporting your local farmers, but you’ll also have some peace of mind knowing your bouquet is as green as it should be.
Sometimes, the best way to avoid toxic gifts whatsoever is to get creative! Who says love can’t be expressed by something intangible… then again, a box of chocolates is never a bad idea, either.
Want more toxic-eliminating tips? Sign up for our toxic nation newsletter to receive tips and information all year long.
At home, in my pj’s watching cheesy romantic comedy! At least that is what I feel like today.
Relaxing at home
A nice dinner at home with Hubby and our 2 boys!
Little Miss Kate recently posted..Another Chance to do some shopping at Amazon!
doing anything with my sweetie….roses are good
martina j recently posted..Happy Souper Bowl!
Favorite way to spend valentines day is to relax at home, have a nice cooked meal with the other half and the rest is up to your imagination LOL..
Thanks for the giveaway.
Kevin
I like spending the day with my hubby and maybe going out to dinner
at home with my Family
Baking and crafts during the day with the kids, and cuddle and movie time at night with my fiancé!
as long as I am with my hubby I am good
Drinking at a singles bar LOL
My favorite way to spend Valentine’s Day is with my husband, doing anything or nothing at all.
with my loved ones.
At home with no kids in sight
We don’t really do anything for Valentines day. Sometimes we will go out to breakfast.
my wife makes a nice meal and then we watch a few movies and snuggle
Relaxing at home then out for dinner with hubby
a nice relaxing evening
I would love to be able to hang out with my husband, no kids. Dont care where or how as long as its just the two of us :D
My husband travels a lot so I’m happy when he is home and we can spend it together!
Snuggling with my family!
Tammy @inRdream recently posted..Paper Bouquet { Valentines Craft for Nana }
I’m happy to stay at home with a nice movie just the 2 of us :)
Something nice & relaxing with some good food. :)
Manager to Mom recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: V-Day Treat!
relaxing with a cup of tea
spending it with hubby having a nice supper-i bbq a steak tonight
I like spending Valentine’s Day having a take out dinner at home and then a movie with my husband.
Hubby and I usually go out to dinner and to a movie.
A nice dinner and quiet night at home with my spouse.
Hanging out with my wonderful family
Going out for a nice dinner after work!
as long as I am with my family I am happy!!!
tennille recently posted..Scribblers Crayons {Review}