It's probably the most consumer-driven, eco-hazardous holiday...following Christmas of course. I mean how many tokens of love(stuffed animals) do you think are thrown away at the demise of relationships? My pessimistic-self envisions landfills overflowing with pink and red bears.

In a recent discussion, or rather rant, about the silliness surrounding Valentine's Day, my friend said, "we want six daisies, not twelve roses!" The intent behind this statement was that we, girls, do not want to be put in a box. But could there be a more subliminal message hiding in this statement?

Roses. Some may call them a traditional symbol of love, some may call them a symbol of destruction in third-world countries. Kenya is the world's number one rose-exporter. But, this is not a claim to fame. Severe environmental implications are associated with the flower industry.

In Alan Weisman's book The World Without Us Wesiman points a finger at the flower industry's use of agrochemicals. He states, "the rotting tissues of hippo carcasses reveal the secret to perfect bouquets: DDT and, 40 times more toxic, Dieldrin." The illegality of these pesticides in other countries has led to Kenya's title, "Number-One Rose Exporter."

But these same chemicals have led to a loss of biodiversity in nearby Lake Naivasha and may have costly effects on the future of the lake.

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Recent discussions that have brought light to this issue have also fostered the organization of groups to fight the environmental and social problems embedded in the practices of the Kenyan flower industry. One such group is the Kenya Flower Council(KFC). They promote the interests of the flower companies while also promoting sustainable practices.

So you may ask, "what can I do to help this problem?" You could:
a.) do nothing and hope for the best
b.) become an activist
c.) or shun the practices of these companies and protest the consumeristic values of America by NOT buying that cute pink bear and a dozen roses

At this recent V-Day rant the only male at the table, somewhat jokingly said, "how about three dandelions?" And, now five-days post V-Day rant I would like to reply, "Why not?"