The term Hallmark Holiday has become so popular, it even has a Wikipedia entry. The basic concept, of course, is that the holiday exists almost purely for commercial purposes. Many would argue that the days are actually invented by businesses as an excuse to sell, sell, sell.

Now, we know that Valentine's Day goes back a little further than Hallmark, but it certainly has become more and more commercial through the years. What these Hallmark Holidays have done is make people feel guilty if they do not give a greeting card - or angry if they don't receive!

According to the Greeting Card Association, Americans purchase nearly 7 billion greeting cards each year. Of course, most of these cards are not made with eco-friendly in mind. They use new resources and create waste.

One alternative to the typically greeting card is to go green. Companies like Green Field Paper Company make tree-free cards and have a whole line of "Grow a Note" greeting cards…plant it and it will become…well, a plant!

Of course, you could also to take the zero-waste road and go the e-card route. Check out The Nature Conservancy and PETA for some eco and animal friendly themed cards made especially for Valentine's Day.

Rebecca says: Oops, I promised my dad that I would send a card to Grandma and Auntie. I might not be able to find local green cards at last minute, so I think I might pull an DIY and create something out of materials I have at home. More effort = more thought, and it's the thought that counts, right?

More Resources:

Greeting Card Association

Wikipedia: Valentine's Day