Red and pink may be the most recognized colors this Valentine’s Day, but sprinkles of green should definitely be added into the mix as well—Mother Earth deserves some good lovin’ too. For those who are environmentally conscious and would like some neat eco-friendly Valentine date ideas, continue reading below for some inspiration.
1. Take a Nature Hike
A great way to spend some time with your loved one during the day and help save the environment is to appreciate the wildlife that surrounds you—no matter if it’s simply taking a walk in the park, having an “outdoorsy” adventure can be really romantic. If you happen to live in an area that gets particularly cold in February, just make sure to bundle up and wear warm, comfortable clothing. Indulge in a cup of hot coco made with free-trade chocolate or some organic herbal tea stored in a thermos to help keep the two of you warm on your journey. After a short hike or stroll, pick a spot where the two of you can enjoy a picnic that is made with nothing but organic and free-range products—sandwiches and soups are easy to pack. If the two of you happen be free the following day, you might also consider camping in the woods under the starry night. Make sure to only use reusable containers and cloth products if this idea seems plausible.
2. Prepare a Home Cooked Dinner
Going to a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day is a pretty generic date idea—but unless you plan on eating at a sustainable restaurant and taking a bike or bus to get to your desired location, you’ll most likely be better off cooking a romantic dinner for two at home—not to mention that it’ll save you a few bucks and reduce your carbon footprint in the process. Go to your local farmer’s market to pick out some of the freshest ingredients and prepare your meal (and dessert) using seasonal ingredients. Set the mood by dimming the lights and lighting some candles made of beeswax, vegetable oil, or organic soy since these are the best kind of candles for the environment. Playing some soothing music in the background is also another great idea. You can even create a “theme”—for example, you could make an Italian dish and play traditional Italian music in the background or make a Parisian dish and play French music.
3. Register for Sustainable Classes
If you don’t want to cook at home because you don’t know how to, a really neat idea is to register for sustainable cooking classes—most are offered through your local farmer’s market, culinary school or an organic grocer like Whole Foods. The two of you can brush up on your cooking skills and enjoy a meal the two of you prepared under the supervision of a professional while learning a whole bunch of vital eco-information along the way.
4. Have an Organic Spa Night
A great date for the two of you to enjoy is to book a massage and or facial at an organic spa—there are several located around the United States that use non-toxic organic lotions, scrubs, and oils and are quickly growing in popularity. While typically a couple’s massage will run you about $100 or more, if this isn’t in your price range you can easily do one at home—buy your own natural organic oils and lotions and convert your home to a relaxing and tranquil environment.
5. Create a Garden, Plant a Tree
Lastly but certainly not least, a fun “green” experience the two of you can enjoy together is planting an herb garden or tree—either by volunteering for an organization or doing so in your very own backyard. You can start off by planting your own flowers in a pot and presenting them to your date—these will live longer than a bouquet of flowers anyway.
Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031@gmail.com.
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