Lovers, spouses, secret squeezes and young sweethearts rejoice! It’s that time of the year when Cupid’s arrows are flung towards the hearts of unsuspecting Chicagoans of all ages and when you and that special person in your life can go out to enjoy a loud dinner at an overcrowded, overpriced restaurant. Other countries know it under different names: in Latin America its called El Dia del Carino or Dia de Amor y Amistad. Sweet, sweet Valentine’s Day has arrived in Chicago and soon all of the love birds will be annoying the heck out of the single folks in the city. Or perhaps you are among half the population in the United States that isn’t married (a record low for the country). In fact, you may have already received an invitation to an anti-Valentine’s Day event.

For almost 2000 years the fallen Valentine martyrs from Christian tradition were honored across the world before the celebration was banished from the Catholic Gregorian calendar in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. In these strange times we’ve seen the traditional Valentine’s Day customs rendered into a hyper-consumerist ritual of flaunting lavish gifts and unfettered spending.

In any case, one thing that has remained constant over time in the world is that people go all out for their loved ones when it comes to spending. In 2011, couples spent $1.7 billion on flowers, $3.4 billion on dining out and $3.5 billion on jewelry according to the National Retail Federation. Men seem more willing to shell out the big bucks having spent about $160 on their Valentine in 2011, while women spent nearly $75 on theirs. The NRF’s 2012 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions survey showed that total spending is expected to hit an astounding $17.6 billion.

It’s unclear how much of that spending will go towards so called “Green” or “Socially Conscious” gifts. These types of gifts have become increasingly popular among demographics that are more sympathetic to environmental justice issues and workers rights. Below is a brief catalog of places to buy gifts that are tied to justice movements and efforts to make products sustainable.

APPAREL: Green America Gift Guide - Formerly known as Co-op America, Green America promotes ethical consumerism. It is dedicated to harnessing the economic power of consumers, investors and businesses to promote social justice and environmental sustainability through helping responsible consumers and green businesses find each other in the marketplace.

Ethix Merch - Your source for American made clothing, products and custom-printed merchandise, made with respect for people and the planet.

Greenheart Shop (local business) 1911 W. Division St. Greenheart is Chicago’s premier eco-fair trade non-profit shop, carrying eco fair trade products made by artisans from around the world. The purchase of these products improves the lives of real people and the products are made by establishments that take care of our Earth.

Mata Traders is another local business selling beautiful,  handmade Fair Trade apparel from Asia.

Both Mata Traders and Greenheart Shop are business members of Chicago Fair Trade, an organization working to support workers rights and ending poverty by building the Fair Trade movement in Chicago. In 2011, Chicago was declared the largest Fair Trade City in the U.S. joining the ranks of nearly 1,000 Fair Trade towns throughout the world, including London, Rome, Barcelona and Boston. Read more about what this means here.  For places to shop around the city see a full list of CFT Business members here.

Valentines Day cards from El Rio. For more visit: http://blog.mayaescobar.com/tag/valentines-day/

CHOCOLATE: Valentine’s Day is a major chocolate buying holiday, but gifts for your sweetheart should not come at the expense of worker rights! Buy these sweets that aren’t laced with the sweat of child laborers (yes, that really happens in the cocoa fields – check out this documentary for proof). For school kids who are planning to pass out Valentine’s cards to classmates (ah to be young again) you can check these out.

UNIQUE GIFT: Latino romance reminiscers sigh heavily over memories of la epoca de oro with its luxurious imagery, a version of romantic Mexican pop art. Chicago artist Robert Valadez captures his own version of romance in a beautifully hand-crafted masterpiece. This one-of-a-kind gift is presented as a bold cherry wood finish jewelry box, featuring the most romantic of paintings, Amorcito Corazon. “The image comes from an old movie poster, a couple at the cusp of a kiss. I love romantic notions of love.” And so will your honey when you present this treasure, filled with candy, rose petals or a simple love letter. Get your own directly from Robert Valadez.

TRAVEL: Transport your loved one to another world without traveling very far. Join the Valentine’s Day Special at the Mediterranean and Middle East inspired Alhambra Palace (1240 W. Randolph) for a  tantalizing night of pleasure, combining live music, exotic food and spectacular entertainment. Orchestra Rumbaye performs. The night’s special is $62.50 per couple and includes entrance to the live salsa event (with free dancing classes) and a three course dinner. Alhambra Palace Reservations: 312-666-9555.

COFFEE: If you’re boo is a coffee junkie than consider supporting Cafe Chicago, a worker-run cooperative that imports, roasts and delivers a chocolaty, great tasting blend. Their Valentines Day special is 3lbs for $35.

Overall the most comprehensive list of gift ideas I found was located on the website of Fair Trade USA – check it out.

O.K. kids go out there and have fun! Spend responsibly and always in moderation!

- Martin Macias and Sandra A. Trevino

Disclosure: Martin Macias is the Youth Organizer for Chicago Fair Trade.

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