Jillian's Wellness Team

Caroline Howell

Caroline Howell is a Green Home and Lifestyle Consultant, whose business, GreenBeanie™ Inc., is headquartered in Pasadena, California. Caroline founded her company to formalize the advice she was sharing with friends and family about green living, including habits and routines that are better for your health, the health of those around you, and the planet.

To learn more about Caroline Howell, visit her Web site: www.greenbeanie.net

Be My Organic Valentine

 There's no holiday that is more sensuous, luscious, sumptuous, and scrumptious ... than Valentine's Day. Of course, some cynics call it "Single Awareness Day," but regardless if you are single, coupled, or have a family, we have some suggestions for celebrating without seeing too much red in both your bank accounts and your environmental impact.

Rated Green for Kids

• Avoid the urge to stock up on all the pre-packaged toys and cards destined for landfills! Instead of buying more paper stock and creating more waste, gather your old CDs and turn them into Valentines! Kids can paste on old candy, newspaper, even shredded candy wrappers for decoration! And here's a great project from Martha Stewart to melt broken crayons into cute Vday hearts!

• If your child insists on cheap valentines, give organic treats with the corny cardboard! Pure Fun and Yummy Earth have delicious organic lollipops made without corn syrup. Or you can drizzle organic chocolate over strawberries and even make your own candied cherries. But make sure you buy them organic: strawberries and cherries can hold a lot of pesticide residue even after washing!

Take My Breath Away ... with Eco-Dates

• Dine organic! Nothing says “Love” like a home-cooked meal, and nothing says “I truly care” like an organic meal. Not all the groceries have to be organic, but try focusing on the biggies: the dirty dozen of fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef or sustainable fish, and organic wine! And if you're eating out, check out Greenopia for the organic restaurant nearest you!

• Want a special romantic getaway? Take the train instead of the car so you are not stressed out by traffic and so you can snuggle! Going somewhere more exotic? Look for green getaways that minimize your impact on the environment and support native communities. We like Green Travel Hub and Sustainable Travel International. And if you are staying around town and have a little extra time, there are lots of opportunities for voluntourism to spread the love!

Sealed with a Toxic Kiss?

• If planning to buy flowers, we suggest buying organic or giving a love fern to improve indoor air quality instead. Flowers are one of the most pesticide-intensive crops and flower workers endure less than desirable working conditions. You could also give them a plantable card – biodegradable cards embedded with wildflower seeds that will grow with your relationship!

• Forget jewelry coated in lead. Give a unique and high-end gift made from recycled material. LA-based Chocolate & Steel’s collection is made of reclaimed silver from x-ray negatives. I also love the hip recycled glass necklaces from Atlanta-based Smart Glass Jewelry. Here are more awesome and affordable recycled designs!

Feel Like Making Organic Love

• When things get intimate, don't let pollutants from petroleum-based candles get between you and your loved one. Opt for soy-based candles that burn cleaner and won’t release toxins into the air. We like the seductive scents (especially Goddess) of SOi Candles. As the candle melts, you can use the melted soy as a skin moisturizer – we’ll let your imagination run wild with the possibilities.

Hope your Valentine’s Day is satisfyingly sustainable! We want to hear about your favorite ideas. Comment below or tell us sweet nothings @thegreenbeanie.