Green Valentines' Gift Ideas
Loving Things You and Your Loved One Can Do For the Earth
Valentines' Day can be about chocolates, flowers and caring for the earth. Or you can share experiences instead of gifts. Give the planet and each other love!
Valentines' Day can be a memorably romantic occasion. Knowing that you're giving gifts that are good to the earth increases the love you're sharing. Traditional gifts can become organic or fair trade. Or transform your habits and give experiences instead of gifts.
Traditional Gifts Greened
Valentines' Day has long been associated with chocolates and flowers. But chocolates are often overpackaged or their beans are grown with pesticides. Same with those roses. Both gifts are also shipped long distances from countries where workers are paid little. You don't have to give up on tradition, though! Simply consider buying Fair Trade chocolates made with organic beans. For blooms, there's a company called Organic Flowers that arranges chemical-free bouquets grown by local farmers. They also sell beautiful plants. Your gift will keep giving all year around.
Instead of buying a new diamond ring, look around the vintage shops for rare and unique jewelry. Not only will such a jewel possess beauty and a sense of history, but its purchase won't require the mining of new resources. Additionally, instead of going out to eat at a restaurant, cook a special meal at home. Shop for organic produce and create a truly caring tribute to your love.
For a romantic or erotic time, consider candles made from organic soybean wax. Couple these with sex toys created especially for vegetarians and vegans. These lubes, whips and dams are made with natural materials. Enjoying pleasure with your loved one doesn't have negatively impact on the earth.
Gifting Experience
Gifts can be memories you appreciate together too. Experiences are less likely to end up in a landfill or leach toxic chemicals into the soil.
- If you're outdoors types, go for a hike together or plant a tree.
- Walk or take the bus to a play, a concert, the ballet.
- Go bowling or enjoy a game of pool.
- A night of board and card games can also be a fun option.
- If you have a little more time to spare, go to an environmentally aware bed and breakfast.
Valentines' Day can be a great opportunity to get back to the basics of communication, connecting you more deeply to each other's values and dreams. Perhaps you chose your partner because you have kin belief systems. Pick an environmental charity and give to it together. Your love can positively affect others around you, including our sustaining earth. Valentines Day is not just about looking into each others' eyes. This special holiday can strengthen your commitment to the larger vision you both share.
