Editor's note...

I must confess, one of my favorite songs for a while now has been Black Eyed Peas' Where is the Love. The success of the song with it's lyrics about communities coming together to make the world a better place demonstrates how music is a major element of social change. It's also a perfect theme song for our February issue of the Seattle Stylesheet. In this issue we've focused on things that might just come in handy for Valentine's Day but also happen to make the world a better place by being more socially or environmentally responsible. So go on and show some love for family, friends and the planet.

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natural selections...looking fabulous, living well

• Organic Bouquet | Conventional flower agrigulture can be very harmful to the people and the environment with all the pesticides, fertilizers and defoliants used these days. If you have to buy flowers on this Valentine's Day it may be hard to find local and/or organic options when you live in cold climates. Luckily, Organic Bouquet has come to the resque. You can now go organic and order your favorite flowers for your favorite Valentine.
• Glam Garb | You've seen them on celebs but did you know one of the best places to find a re-fashioned slip to wear over your favorite jeans is based right here in Seattle. Gunlis at Glam Garb is a master at her craft and her new spring colors have arrived just in time for Valentine's Day.
• Dilettante Chocolates | Whether you're shopping for a Valentine of just having a chocolate moment yourself go local with Seattle's very own Dilettante Chocolates. Order online or stop buy one of their five Seattle locations.
• Edgewater Hotel | For anyone wanting to spend a special night in Seattle, there's no more pure Seattle experience than the Edgewater Hotel. Located on Eliott Bay, the Edgewater is now as famous for its luxurious green building remodel as it is for the famous folks that have stayed there.
• Etherea Salon & Spa | Those of you frequent 'stylesheet' readers will recognize Etherea. They are one of Seattle's top Aveda concept salons. Beyond offering Aveda product, Etherea has been a support of environmental causes for over 15 years. There now famous cut-a-thons have raised quite a few dollars for Mother Earth. So why not treat yourself or your Valentine to a great day at eco-aware Etherea.

quick picks...doing good

• Downtown Seattle Public Library | If you haven't already toured the new downtown Seattle Public Library, consider it a must for Valentine's Day...particuarly the red hall area. At the forefront of design, the Library is also now famous for the green building componenents that went into the design. There is a FareStart Cafe and fabulous shop too.
• Frye Art Museum | The Frye Art Museum is one of Seattle's best hidden treasures. Perfect for a Valentine's date, swooners can take in the latest exhibit of Alan Magee's paintings, sculptures and graphics. And yes, there's always a vegetarian option available at the Cafe.
• Downtown Seattle Public Library | If you're wanting to get out of town for Valentine's Day, who not take a road trip to one of the most romantic spots in the Puget Sound: Snoqualmie Falls. While you're there spend a little quality time at the spa at Salish Lodge
• Humane Society for Seattle/King County | OK, we all know there's nothing like the unconditional love you get from a pet. So, why not show some love for our four-footed freinds and adopt an animal this Valentine's Day. Lots of little furry critters just waiting for a big hug from a new owner.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of King County | There's no better time like the present to volunteer your time with Big Brothers Big Sisters. There's no better way to invest in our future than to mentor tomorrows leaders. Whether it's taking your little sister shopping at a second hand store or your little brother to a Sonics game, you really can make the difference in a young person's life by just being there.

the horizon: What's on it...local sustainable style

• feb 8 | Greendrinks | Another installment of Seattle Greendrinks. At the offices of ONE/NW this month.
• feb 9-12 | Synergy 2005 | Evergreen College's Forth Annual Sustainable Living Conference intertwining themes of Ecology, Design, Culture, Health, and Social Change.
• feb 9-13 | NW Flower & Garden Show | Seattle's favorite annual flower & garden show, including lots of organic!
• feb 10 | Rivet Magazine Release Party | Our favorite local mag launches another rad issue - R12: Choice.
• feb 18 | Best Awards | The 4th annual BEST Awards recognizing business efforts to reduce waste.
• feb 19-20 | Bicycle Expo | The northwest's largest bike show.
• feb 22 | A Call To Conscience | Willie Adams and I.L.W.U. present A Call to Conscience With Danny Glover, Ossie Davis, Naomi Tutu, Bill Fletcher, Arianna Huffington, Chuck D., Zeke Green.
• feb 28 | The Case for Sustainable Development | Edward McMahon from the Urban Land Insitute lectures on sustainable development. Downtown Seattle Public Library auditorium. 5:30-7:00.