On Valentine’s Day, most people see red. Josie Brown hopes they’ll think green, too.
“As February 14th approaches, most of us are considering how we can best show our loved ones that they are special to us,” explains Brown, who is the relationships editor for SingleMindedWomen.com. “But your romantic celebration doesn’t necessarily mean using up Mother Nature’s precious resources.”
SingleMindedWomen.com has come up with five tips that will help save the environment while stoking the passion:
Tip #1: Get away—by staying in.
“Set up your bedroom as a love shack,” suggests Brown. “Rinse your favorite sheets in scented detergent, sprinkle your favorite perfume under your bedspread, or place lavender under your pillow.”
Another sexy scenario: set up a treasure hunt in your home.
“Write down clues—on recycled paper, of course—that lead your loved one to some heartfelt mementos. Items like photos of the two you, or old menus or matchboxes from your favorite haunts, will remind your significant other why she fell in love with you in the first place. Maybe the last clue leads her to a picnic for two, right there in your favorite room of the house: the bedroom. We’ll be posting a great menu on SingleMindedWomen.com’s relationship channel that’s quick, easy, tasty and romantic—and uses leftovers of course..”
Tip #2: Conserve water by bathing together.
“A bubble bath—either before or after sex—is one of the most romantic acts a couple can do together. The key word here is togetherness. Sure, showers can be sensual, but bubble baths conserve more water—and are playful, too.”
Tip #3: Don’’ buy her roses; instead, get her a rose bush.
“This year, forgo the usual dozen roses, and give the gift that keeps giving, year after year,” explains Brown. “Rose plants come in all sizes—either as bushes or vines—it can thrive in something as small as an apartment deck. And colors range from pinks, corals, and deep reds, to yellows, golds, and whites. You know her favorite, so go for it. Or choose one with a name that may resonate with her. For example, if she’s a fashionista, she’ll love the Miss Dior. If she’s a Beatles fan, there’s the Penny Lane. Bottom line: Be creative.”
Tip #4: Light her fire, with scented candles.
“Sadly, burning wood in your fireplace sends out a lot of toxins,” says Brown. “So instead, line up candles of all different shapes and sizes inside the fireplace, and have them lit when she gets home. She’ll want to make love right then and there, by candlelight.”
Tip #5: Make her Valentine’s card.
“Use old photos that will pull at her heart string. Perhaps one of your baby photos—next to hers. But remember: what will win her over is the personal message you choose to write inside,” suggests Brown. “Just don’t type it, or send it via email.”
But wouldn’t emailing save paper?
“Sure,” says Brown. “But on this day, the primary goal is to be romantic, right?”
Another thing that will kill any kindled passion, warns Brown, is recycling last year’s Valentine’s card.
“My husband did that to me one year. He just crossed out the date, and wrote in a new one. That put him in the dog house until our anniversary. Being green is one thing. Being cheap or lazy is something altogether different.”
