Show Your Green Love

If that stuffed white bear holding a fuzzy heart just reminds you that the glaciers are melting…then this is the post for you.  From ethical-bling to eco-sex toys, kick up your love skills and make yourself feel good about it.  Here are a few suggestions.

1.  Buy Local

Every girl digs the blooms.  This time buy locally grown organic flowers from a farmers market.  Conventional flowers from most florists and grocery stores come from places like South America or Holland.  Save on gas and packaging materials by patronizing your local farmer.

If you’re having problems finding a local place, there are a few online companies offering an organic option.  While these companies ship the stems to your door, they don’t use harmful pesticides that can rub off on your hands and hang out in your house.  Try Organic Bouquet or Local Harvest.  You and your honey will be healthier for it!

2.  Rethink the Grub

Sure, downtown’s Fancy Pantsy Bistro is where all the celebs go, but why not impress your very significant other by showing off your culinary chops?  DVR a couple of Food Network shows, visit your local farmers’ market and go to town.  

Cooking is not for you?  Grab a basket and swing by your favorite organic market.  Pick up a few things that make a great oven-free picnic:  cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, chocolate, wine, ready-made salads and sandwiches.

3.  Engage in Eco-Sex

Solar-powered sex toys.  Yes, you read right.  Now, if there’s an earthquake or an electrical outage, at least you’ll still have your favorite pastime. California Exotics Solar Sensations gives you an eco-friendly groove.  Let the sun shine in!

For something a little tamer, but just as reusable, try sustainable undies courtesy of American Apparel, Green Knickers or Bamboo Body.  If you're feeling frisky, the eco-conscious company Bueno Style offers some skimpy skivvies that say “Eat Organic” across the front.

4. Bargain on Bling

You saw Blood Diamond.  Don’t get caught up in that mess, no matter how good your South African accent is.  Brilliant Earth is a company based out of San Francisco offering amazing conflict-free bling.  They even have a large selection of ethical wedding and engagement rings if you’re ready to pop the all-too important eco-question:  “Will you have an ethically responsible and sustainable wedding with me?”   If you’re in the mood for something a little less mined, Green Karat uses recycled gold and diamonds in an effort to hinder the mining industry.  If diamonds say a little too much too soon, try Fairies Dance, a company that uses recycled and renewable resources (like rainforest nuts) for their fun bobbles.

5.  Crave the Cocoa

Organic fair trade chocolate is always better because your guilt doesn’t leave a bitter aftertaste.  Health food stores like Wholefoods carry yummy brands like Green & Black’s Organic Chocolate and Dagoba. Rapunzel Pure Organics has a great assortment of super sugary choco delights using products from small cooperative farms.

Now that you’ve got all your supplies, turn up the Barry White, whip out the organic massage oil and kiss that stuffed bear goodbye.  It’s time to get your sustainable love on.