Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination. – Voltaire

Around Valentine’s Day, love is on everyone’s mind. Whether you’re looking for love or just want to celebrate the love you have, we’ve got some tips on how to keep your romance green.

Green Singles: Where to Meet Them
Finding that special someone in a sea of singles can be daunting, especially when you’re looking for a partner who shares your green ideals. Fear not, there are a bevy of eco-loving cuties out there and lots of alternatives to keep your dates with them sustainable. A great place to start is Planet Green’s helpful guide to green dating. Seeking a sustainably-minded sweetheart? It may sound like common sense, but doing the things you love makes you more likely to find love. You may not find true love, but you’ll be doing something you enjoy and could meet new friends.

• Stop by your local monthly Green Drinks to meet single green professionals. Look online for other green events in your city.
• Volunteer at your favorite environmental non-profit to encounter singles with similar altruistic passions.
• Attend classes and workshops where you’re likely to meet someone with the same hobbies or intellectual curiosities as you.
• Go to art and music events that you enjoy where you can mix with people who share your cultural interests. Many museums sponsor monthly after-hours singles events.

Eco-dating Sites: Finding Love Online
There is an abundance of dating sites aimed at eco-leaning singles.

• National green-leaning dating sites: EcoDater, Earth Wise Singles, and Green Passions.
• Looking for love but short on time? Check out Green Speed Dating.
• If you’re especially passionate about a specific green activity, there may be a dating site just for you. Check out Cycling Singles, a dating site for bicycle lovers, Veggie Date to find a fellow someone to share meatless meals with, or Fitness Singles if you’d like to someone who shares your love of exercise.

Green Dates: For Blossoming Couples and Mature Ones, too
Green date options abound both for new couples and established couples who like to have date nights.

• Cook an organic meal or choose a restaurant that sources local and organic ingredients.
• Go to an eco-friendly spa together. Relax and get to know each other while being pampered. Established couples might opt to create their own spa at home with green bath and body products.
• Volunteer
• Explore the great outdoors together. Hike, ski, or share whatever outdoor activity you might both enjoy.
• Ditch the car and walk, get on a bike, or take public transportation.

Valentine’s Day: A Greener Romantic Holiday
Instead of buying your beloved more stuff for Valentine’s Day, why not invest in a shared experience. Whether it’s a music performance, an art show, or a guided bike tour of your city, offer your sweetie an experience that doesn’t create waste and will leave you both with great memories. Check out your EcoMetro Guide for great deals on Entertainment & Family and Travel & Recreation.

If you must shower your darling with classic Valentine’s gifts, make sustainable choices.

• Buy locally-grown, organic flowers or a lovely, longer-lasting houseplant; you’ll find coupons for garden stores in your EcoMetro Guide.
• Make sure your chocolate is organic and fair trade; check out the Equal Exchange chocolate coupon in your EcoMetro Guide.
• Choose ethically sourced metal or repurposed jewelry.
• Craft them a Valentine’s card out of re-purposed paper and material; Make magazine has some great DIY Valentine ideas.

P.S. If he or she turns out to be “the one”, check out these sites to help plan your green wedding: Planet Green and Eco Wedding.

Image credit: 1Happysnapper_CreativeCommon