Love is in the air (PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek / Shutterstock.com)
Another Saturday comes around and you’re looking for ways to spend the day with your loved one. If you’ve exhausted the local brunch scene, or spending your time indoors in the movie theatre isn’t your idea of romance, why not try something different? These eight alternative date ideas are guaranteed to shake things up - and best of all - they’re eco-friendly. Visit a local winery, explore your local farmer’s market, or go ice skating for the chance to spend some quality time with your loved one - while doing good for the planet.
1. VOLUNTEER TOGETHER FOR NATURE PRESERVATION
Spend the day clearing nature trails, picking up litter, or removing invasive species in your local area. Enjoy your time alone or look online for local organizations that organize weekend cleanups.
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH: Take a picture of the litter you collect along the way and upload to instagram as part of the Litterati hashtag movement.
Collecting rubbish can be romantic! (little star /Shutterstock.com)
2. GO FOR A BIKE RIDE
Nothing says romance like a carbon footprint of zero. Take a bike ride through your park, neighborhood, or around the city. The fresh air and gorgeous scenery will make for a memorable and exciting date.
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH: Map out local eateries along your route and stop for organic goodies along the way.
Pedaling builds passion (Daxiao Productions / Shutterstock.com)
3. VISIT AN ORGANIC WINERY
Journey to an organic wine tasting event or explore a local winery to taste the fruits of sustainable agriculture. Bottoms up!
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH: Take a guided tour of the winery to learn about organic farming techniques.
Drink to love and devotion (FreeProd33 / Shutterstock.com)
4. GO ICE SKATING
Get into the winter spirit and glide around an ice rink for a fun daytime or nighttime date.
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH: End the date with a cozy cup of hot chocolate (made with organic cocoa, of course).
Skating with sweetheart (Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com)
5. HAVE AN OUTDOOR PICNIC
Bring along some organic wine, cheeses, and fruits and relax on a blanket under the sun. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, pack up your food in backpacks and hike to a cool lookout or peaceful spot to enjoy nature and each other’s company.
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH: Bring non-disposable plates, cups and silverware for an extra eco-friendly date.
Food for the soul (Duet PandG / Shutterstock.com)
6. STARGAZE
For a romantic outdoor date, gaze at the night sky, point out constellations, and simply take in the splendor of the universe.
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH: Leave your phones at home and make an effort to really unplug.
7. VISIT THE LOCAL FARMER'S MARKET
Spend a morning wandering through your farmer’s market, taking in the sights, smells and tastes of local produce.
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH: Using local ingredients from the market, cook a healthy breakfast to enjoy after your date. Try to use as many seasonal foods as possible!
Fondness in the farmer's market (Jack Frog / Shutterstock.com)
8. GO TO A MUSEUM
Take public transportation or walk to a natural history, art or science museum. Spend some time in the planetarium, check out the dinosaur exhibit, visit a nature photography gallery, and more.
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH: After the date, go back-and-forth sharing facts or new things that you learned throughout the day.
Learn about the world together (sirtravelalot / Shutterstock.com)
