Green Valentine’s Day

Feeling the pressure to buy a gift for a loved one this Valentine’s Day? During February most Gonzaga students and Spokanites are searching for romantic ideas. Having a small budget this year for V-Day is not a problem. Here are some green money-saving tips to please a significant other. Teddy bears and chocolate hearts are nice, but they are old and cliché for most people. Consider these creative greener options.

Cook at home instead of stressing over dinner reservations unless they have been made already. Presumably, a majority of restaurants in Spokane are booked. Therefore creating a green-dinner is simple and delicious. Most of these easy recipes can be created in less than an hour. Make a shopping trip and gather fruits and vegetables like our former hunter-gatherer ancestors did. Main Market is a great option. Don’t forget to grab a salad and dressing for an easy appetizer.

Now that the main course is planned, let’s begin planning dessert. Chocolate or festive cupcakes can be a romantic option after the meal. For the chocolate lovers, stick to organic, fair trade treats. Delicious animal byproduct free cupcakes recipes taste great. Ice cream with toppings like organic chocolate syrup and soy whipped-cream are perfect for after-dinner intimacy.

To set the mood, light three-in-one soy candles. These will provide you with a soft, ambient light, and you can use them later as massage oil. It’s so convenient, because the oil will already be warmed up for you. Staying indoors for a pampering back massage and foot rub is definitely a romantic way to celebrate love this holiday. Perhaps before the massage initiate some cheek-to-cheek dancing in the living room.

If the budget will allow this year check out these top-13 green gifts available online.

Gonzaga University presented these green tips for our community that will improve any setting: “Instead of using the plug in air fresheners that can potentially waste energy, try using natural fresheners with essential oils. Another way to better the air is by getting an indoor plant. The plant will decrease odors in the room while making the air you breathe cleaner with less carbon dioxide. And of course the best way to eliminate odors in your dorm, clean up the mess!”

I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas!

Just to get you in the Holiday spirit, check out this clever little video:

Watch this hilarious video :: Oxfam America Unwrapped.

The video certainly utilizes a clever play on words, but even so, the less literal petition for all of us to “give a $%@#” is an ernest and urgent message.  Rather than focusing on our “need” for that new ipod touch or for a new pair of jeans (even though the ones you have are in perfectly wearable condition), Oxfam America calls us to “give a $%@#” about someone other than us.  Other than the Self.  Other than Me.  It’s oddly altruistic during a time of year when the TV and radio are telling us, “You deserve to treat yourself.  You’ve worked hard, now take a load off!  Buy that 37″ Plasma TV that allows you to see every bead of sweat on that professional ping-pong player’s nose!”  Deserved indeed. 

Christmas is one of the greatest times of the year.  We can make sure it gets even better by keeping the true spirit of Caring and Giving ingrained in the Holiday Season.

How to Have a Green Christmas

 

 

1.     Use LED Lights

They may be more expensive, but LED lights will last longer and they save 80% to 90% less power then the conventional mini light bulbs. Look at the following links to shop for LED Christmas decorations. 

http://www.eartheasy.com/shop/lighting_holiday.html

 

2.     Be a Creative Gift Giver

You have a list of people to shop for but do they all really need more stuff? Go online to http://www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com/home.php and donate to a charity in their name. Give them a card with a picture of the object that they donated and to whom.

Also when you do go out to Christmas shop bring your own bags, instead of going out and coming back with plastic bags that you will throw away.

 

3.     Use a real tree

Fake trees are petroleum based and are not biodegradable. Also often times fake trees are made in China and you are paying a majority for the shipping. So this year go out with the family, pick the perfect tree and bring it home to your greener Christmas. 

 

4.     Don’t Toss old Toys

This is the time of year when you go through your closet and your kids’ toy chests. Instead of throwing your lightly worn clothes or toys away donate them to a family who is not as fortunate. Take these items to a salvation army or check with your church to see if they are collecting toys for families in need.

 

After the holidays when you are throwing stuff away think instead about recycling. Visit this website to find a convenient drop off location for you.

 

Having a green Christmas does not mean you have to give up your family traditions, it just means being conscious of what you are doing and how you could live sustainably.

 

Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Refurbish, Recycle