Dating Ideas

Looking for something more environmentally friendly than your typical dinner and a movie date?

Surprise your date by picking him or her up with something other than a car.  Tandem bicycles or rollerblades are a fun green way to get around.  For bikes- check if there is a rental place in  your area, but be sure to pick the bike up on your way home from work!  For rollerblades - pick them up at a second hand shop.  Be sure to bring a backpack with to carry spare shoes!

If you feel like bringing your date a token of affection, skip the store bought cut flowers.  They are covered in pesticides, and won't last more than a week or two.  If you really want to give flowers, consider a potted plant, buying flowers from a farmer's market where they are hopefully local and pesticide-free, or picking some from your own garden.   Other options- bring some fresh, local, organic produce!  Nothing says "like" like zucchini, and nothing says "love" like strawberries. ;)

Consider an outdoors date. 

• Long walks along the beach (or lake, or river) are romantic, free, and non-polluting. 
• Check out what events are being held by your local state parks - you may be able to choose a night of candlelit cross country skiing (Check out what your parks offer...you might be pleasantly surprised). Parks may even offer rental equipment (canoes, skis, etc). 
• Think about packing a picnic using pyrex dishes to store the food, and real plates, silverware, and glasses that can be taken home to be washed afterward.  After all, plastic forks aren't really conducive to feelings of fondness... Local food and organic wine will definitely set the mood.

Think about staying in.

• No transportation needed! 
• Turn the lights off for a candlelit dinner. 
• Cook with local, in season ingredients.
• Pretend you're old-school wooing him or her and read some poetry (or perform a little serenade on that dusty guitar).
• You could even get a little crazy and play board games!
• If the weather permits and if you have a backyard, get cozy in a two-person hammock.

And if things go really well, check out this wiki on how to Green Your Bedroom Fun.