Wouldn’t you want to celebrate Valentine’s in a whole new way? This year, put a twist to your traditions by extending your expression of love and affection to the environment. Gear up for a more meaningful Valentine’s with simple and eco-friendly ways.

1. Think and shop green. First, have a red and green Valentine mindset. You are trying to celebrate your Valentine’s in a more considerate way so be open to new things. Explore shops that sell eco-friendly items such as recycled and biodegradable stuff.

You can also look into stores that sell second-hand items for your gift choices. These stores often contain little surprises and rare finds such as vintage items that your loved ones would love to have. Show your love through reusable items that would allow the user to consume less and save more on materials and yes, cash, too.

2. Wrap in green. When it comes to gift-wrapping, use environment-friendly materials. Do away from plastic gift wrappers that are almost always torn off excitedly during gift-giving. They can only add to the pile of harmful trash the following day, too.

Recycled papers and biodegradable materials are enough to wrap your gifts guilt-free. There are a lot of paper materials that can be used as gift wrappers without looking shabby. But don't overdo it lest you defeat the purpose of being environment-friendly by consuming too much paper.

3. Revert to the old-fashioned way of giving out greeting cards. Go green by using cards that are made of recycled paper. You may also choose to send a card with your own personal touch by making a Valentine card with items that you already have. The important thing is to send one with personal and sincere greetings.

Also a better way, and undoubtedly the easiest, is to send electronic greetings. You can send Valentine greetings in the form of e-mails. This would be ideal for your friends and relatives who are not near enough for you to visit and give presents to.

In giving out greetings, be sure to send personal greetings and not use templates and generic forms of Valentine greetings. Remember, you are trying to help the environment, not being lazy or sloppy on your Valentine’s Day celebration.

4. Give plants instead of flowers. You may choose to give potted plants instead of flowers. They could last longer and wouldn’t need pesticides for preservation. However, if you can’t afford to break your Valentine tradition of giving bouquets of flowers, at least give out flowers that were supported by healthy growing practices, those that were grown chemical-free.

Freshly cut and sweet-smelling flowers are very good alternatives to bouquets of flowers that you can have commercially. Most of the flowers sold in shops are imported, which means that extra energy through the delivery process was consumed.

5. Share a candlelit dinner with your loved one. For most couples, this may be the most traditional way of spending the day of hearts. But have you actually had dinner with your partner using environment-friendly candles? But of course, who would be thinking about candles when you are with your loved one on the day most dedicated for both of you?

But if you are going to stay indoors to celebrate this special day, turn down the lights in an effort to help save energy. You can enjoy an evening with candle lights for a more peaceful and sensual mood.

Remember to use the petroleum-free, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic types. Paraffin candles are a no-no. Use eco-friendly alternatives like beeswax and palm oil candles which are nontoxic and biodegradable.

6. Take an eco-tour. What can be more romantic than having a journey through an ecological sanctuary with your loved one? Spend time together while sharing an outdoor version of a romantic get-together.

Spending Valentine’s near the comforts of nature will not only relax your mind and body and provide quality time for you and your partner; it will also give you enough perspective on what’s happening to your surroundings. While you’re at it, look around you. Don’t fail to notice the still wonderful things that you can see and think of ways to protect and preserve it.

7. Support an eco-concerned organization. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your partner or just spending it with your best friends, pledging to support Mother Earth through a devoted organization is a good way to extend your concern.

If you have a partner, believing and doing something for a common cause will also help strengthen your relationship. This, however, not only ends with signing up and being a member. It would take more time and concern on your part to do more things that would benefit the environment that you live in.