RED ALERT! If you’ve just hit panic stations on the Valentines Day shopping front stop right now! Our ideas for pure, green romance will help you pamper your sweetie without spoiling the planet.
We know how easy it is to get swooped up in a spending frenzy, especially when you want to show someone just how MUCH you love them. But after thinking about what really matters it’s quick to see that it has nothing to do with how much we spend or how many roses are in the bouquet. And everything to do with spending time with your sweetheart counting the ways in which you love them (thanks Ms Browning). And of course, we can do that in a million green ways.
So this year we thought it appropriate to give Mother Nature some lovin’ too by giving no-waste gifts or supporting organic and fair trade produce. Here are our handy tips…
Rethink the Roses
Lets face it. Flowers have become a V Day staple. But that doesn’t mean it has to cost the earth.
- Hunt down a lovely bouquet of organic flowers at your local farmers market. There’s no doubting they’ll be much fresher and more environmentally friendly than those trucked, shipped and flown all the way from the other side of the world.
- Why not simply buy a single stem instead of a dozen. It oozes romance and reduces your impact for the day.
- How about hand picking a sweet poesy from your very own sustainably- harvested garden.
- Or for something that lives a little longer, give a potted flower or plant instead. A stunning white orchid on the windowsill would do the trick (hint, hint!)
Seal it with a kiss
Shock horror: Globally, around one billion cards are sent each year at Valentine’s Day. Let’s do our bit to stop this in our tracks.
- Luckily there’s plenty of cards made from recycled paper out there these days. But if you wanted to take it up a notch and really impress your loved one, give them a plantable seed paper card that will blossom with your love. Oh shucks!
- And of course you could go the clean, green e-card. The jury’s still out on how well this’ll be received but it’s certainly the pick for those loved ones cooped up overseas.
- And there’s no reason why your wrapping can’t look beautiful while being super green too. A touch of recycled ribbon from Chrissy or a pretty flower from your garden can give your wrapping a touch of charm and plenty of romance.
Treat those tastebuds
We all know the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. So tempt your loved one with delicious treats.
- If you’d like to wine and dine your sweetheart why not treat them to a restaurant that specializes in local, seasonal or sustainable cuisine. There’s plenty about!
- Or if you’re too late to nab a coveted February 14 reservation, hit your local farmers’ market and gather ingredients for an intimate homemade dinner for two. Candles (beeswax of course) are mandatory for the ooh-la-la effect. Oh and don’t forget to pick up a bottle of organic wine and delicious fair-trade dark chockie to top off the eve.
Whisk them away
Sharing a new experience together will be remembered long after the box of chocolates has been gobbled up and thrown away.
- Why not head bush, pitch a tent, roll out the rucksack and sleep under the stars. If that doesn’t spell romantic we don’t know what does. Just don’t forget the mozzie repellant!
- Treat your loved one to a day of relaxation and ultimate pampering at a day spa. Many spas now use all natural or organic products for their treatments which is a big win. Or of course you could save your cash and give it a go yourself. Just go gentle. Broken bones will not make a happy valentine!
- Or swallow your pride, kick up your heels and strut your stuff at a dancing class. Trust us. In every case, this is a winner.
If you have any more ideas please jot them down here and spread them round.
And of course if you’d like to share any success stories (let’s keep it G rated) feel free.
Oh, and Happy Valentines Day!
Photo by the lovely Jacqueline Reilly.
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