Green Your Valentine’s Day: Green Gifts

We know, we know: Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a Hallmark holiday, promoted mainly to increase consumerism. Or is it? Now you can show a little love for Mother Earth while celebrating the amorous occasion. This week we’re telling you how.

Tip #3: Give Experiences, Not Things

If you give your Valentine a tchotchke or doodad, consider how soon it may end up in a landfill. Instead, you can plan a hike and a picnic in your mutually favorite nature spot. Other memorable small-footprint ideas include a day at an organic spa, a gift certificate to a vegetarian restaurant, a cooking or dancing class, tickets to a nearby concert or play, a subscription to a local CSA, or a digital playlist. You can even adopt a national park in your sweetheart’s name. If you do choose to give an object, check out Sierra magazine’s guide to green Valentine’s gifts.

Tell us: What are your tips for green gift-giving?