Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. This year, why not show some love to the earth as well as your sweetheart? You can have a romantic Valentine’s Day without putting any extra strain on the earth.
1. Cook a meal at home. Not only will cooking at home save money, but you’ll have more control over the quality of your food. Substitute organic produce, naturally raised meat and local ingredients. For a romantic meal, try one of these recipes.
• Lamb Ravioli Recipe
• Roast Chicken and Root Vegetables Recipe
• Flatiron Steak Recipe with Natural Jus and Root Vegetable Mash
2. Drink organic wine. No romantic celebration is complete without wine. This year splurge a little and get a bottle of organic wine. Organic wine doesn’t cost that much more. Many organic wines are grown and bottled in the U.S., meaning your wine won’t have to travel as far to get to you.
3. Eat fair-trade, organic chocolate. While you’re thinking of your beloved, consider the earth, too—and her people. Give the gift of organic, fair trade and even vegan chocolate. Indulge in a bar of Yachana Jungle Chocolate or sip on a cup of Dagoba organic drinking chocolate.
4. Give homemade gifts. Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade gift. Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be elaborate. Create a picture album, decorate a vase, or make homemade candy.
5. Buy fair trade gifts. If you’re not the crafty type, buy your significant other a gift that gives back. Fair trade gifts support artisans in developing countries, and because each one is handmade, fair-trade gifts come with a personal touch.
6. Wear green lingerie. Just because (almost) no one will see it doesn’t mean you should ignore your intimates! Underwear and lingerie come in a variety of eco-friendly fabrics these days, including organic cotton, organic silk and hemp.
7. Get local, organic flowers. Conventional flowers harbor pesticide residue, and many of them are imported from South America. If flowers are part of your Valentine’s Day routine, buy organic flowers from a local florist. Fresher is better!
8. Set the mood with soy candles. Create an atmosphere of romance with soy candles. Conventional candles are made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct, and some wicks contain traces of heavy metals. Choose soy wax candles as a natural option.
9. Take a green, romantic weekend. With Valentine’s Day on a Sunday, this year might be the perfect opportunity to make a romantic weekend out of it. Get away to a local bed and breakfast, or check into a green hotel in your area. Want to save money on a romantic weekend? Take a staycation. Set aside the weekend for romantic pursuits: bubble baths, watching movies, cooking or whatever you like to do together.
10. Send a recycled card. Many Valentine’s Day cards are made from virgin paper. Give a card that uses recycled paper, or make your own card out of scrap paper you already have.
