A "Green" Valentine's Day

Move over pink and red! This year I'll be focusing on having a "green" Valentine's Day! This time of year, people are purchasing loads of flowers, chocolate and wine. Sadly, many flowers are imported from other countries and are treated with harmful chemicals and pesticides. One way you can keep the environment in mind while still having a special day with your sweetheart, is to choose certified organic and fair trade chocolates and flowers. Believe it or not, ecologically sound wine is even on the market today. Biodynamic winemaking, a holistic approach in vineyards, is on the rise. This approach encourages winemakers to examine the winemaking process as a whole-including the soil, compost and vegetation in order to create beneficial and harmonious relationships while delivering excellent wine choices to the consumer.

If you're tired of the old fashioned chocolates and flowers approach, there are plenty of other options and ways to stay "green." Maybe you want to plan a romantic evening at home or just want to try something completely different this year. Here are a few ideas I'm contemplating for this year:

1. Cook a romantic dinner at home. Choose to save some cash and create your own romantic atmosphere. Break out the champagne flutes you haven't used in years or set the mood with candles (remember to choose soy candles-they are more eco-friendly!). If you do decide to book a reservation, choose a restaurant that offers local options and help support your local gardens, farmers, etc.

2. Speaking of dinner, set up an indoor picnic. Lay out some warm blankets and turn down the heater a few degrees and give yourselves a reason to cuddle! (Plus turning down the heat a few degrees lowers your electricity bill and saves energy!)  If you are lucky enough to have nice weather on Valentine's Day, venture outdoors. Enjoy local parks or hike the trails or better yet, if you have a roof or balcony, enjoy dinner under the stars together.

3. Venture back to your elementary school days and make each other homemade cards. Not your thing? Buy used couples' quiz books and test your knowledge of each other and start coversations that are sure to be interesting. Host a game night for just the two of you or for you and other couples. Enjoy organic chocolate and wine with your conversation and remember why you fell in love with this person in the first place. When you're finished, make sure to recycle any paper used.

4. This option is best for guys to plan: set up a homemade spa day for the girl in your life. Some of the most common and simple household ingredients make the best body scrubs and facials. If you need recipes check out this site: DIY Spa Treatments

5. Create memories and experiences together. Go see that play or theatre production you've been waiting for, make dinner together, check out a yoga class or try out these fun DIY Gift Ideas. If it is warm enough and an appropriate season where you live, consider planting a tree together or a garden. The project itself will give you both something to share together and home gardens provide healthy food options. If it's not warm enough where you live or if you don't have a yard, try a window garden instead.

6. Try antique shopping together or check out the local thrift stores. Second hand stores often have some of the most unique and interesting items. Buying used helps eliminate waste and helps prevent good quality items from ending up in landfills. Treat the experience as a treasure hunt and maybe you'll find an incredible piece of vintage jewelry, a decades old pocket watch or even trendy art pieces and decor for your home.

Looking for great gift ideas? Check out these sites to browse unique gifts meeting environmental friendly standards:

The Daily Green

TreeHugger

Uncommon Goods

EcoFabulous

Have a great Valentine's Day! Comment and let me know what you did this year!