Planning the perfect Valentine’s Day date is stressful. Like most popular holidays, the commercialization of Valentine’s Day causes the meaning of the day to be lost in a sea of red hearts and sweetheart travel or date packages. It is easy to forget that Valentine’s Day is one of the best, and easiest, holidays to celebrate with eco-friendly date ideas.
Try a Disconnected Date. One of the best ways to connect or re-connect as a couple during Valentine’s Day or any day of the year is to disconnect from the outside world. Try turning off constantly connected electronics, while sharing a quiet evening at home, a home cooked meal, candlelight, and a romantic fire. Skipping the materialistic, public side of the lover’s holiday is beneficial for both the environment and the relationship.
Turn Dinner into a Full-Day Valentine’s Date. Rather than spending five minutes booking a dinner reservation-turn this year’s Valentine’s Day dinner into a full day of romantic activities. Plan an entire meal around the seasonal, local foods available nearby from a farmer’s market or green-friendly grocer. Go shopping together–maybe even considering a walk or bus ride to the market. Take advantage of a quiet stroll through the market and choose some locally grown flowers and artisan crafted candles. Prepare the meal together as a couple and enjoy the results of the day of labor.
Volunteer as a Couple. Consider joining a green-friendly, community volunteer effort for Valentine’s Day. Couples should take the time to select common interests and causes. Working on a joint project allows the couple to both learn more about one another as well as to think beyond the moment.
Learn Something New. While a composting class may not induce steamy visions of couple time, taking a green-friendly class as a couple is a terrific way to slow down and enjoy Valentine’s Day. Just be creative and seek out unique, learning opportunities–such as a class geared toward local cooking or something more active like geocaching. Valentine’s Day often brings out a host of “couple” themed classes, seminars and retreats.
Enjoy Nature. No matter the location, there are a number of ways to enjoy nature on Valentine’s Day. Many park systems and nature preserves often present unique couple hikes, tours and activities for Valentine’s Day. It is also lovely to create your own outdoor adventures. Couples may enjoy a winter picnic or an outdoor event inspired by nature. Perhaps even a late night stroll under the stars would inspire a couple to warm up or snuggle up by a romantic fire for the evening’s close.