Your green valentine's day: our suggestions

You got through Christmas without too much waste; recycled the cards in M&S, pulped the tree and turned your free-range turkey into countless tasty meals. But only a month into the new year, it's time to get thinking about how to approach the next date on everyone's lips: valentine's day. Here are a few suggestions for green gifts and activities to show your loved one how much you care without making the planet feel left out.

Cards
Going for something handmade will mean supporting small scale artists, and your beloved will most likely appreciate something that hasn't been frantically grabbed off a shop shelf. There's also a much larger range of recycled cards in the hand-made market, so why not check out recycled valentine's cards on Etsy? There are oodles! My favourite so far has got to be 'The Perfect Pair' by Sunali Creations.

A romantic meal
You'd be surprised to learn how many sustainable and eco-friendly restaurants are popping up all over the UK. The Glasshouse in the New Forest has been praised for its commitment to sourcing local products to reduce food miles, while Bristol's Bordeaux Quay and London's Acorn House both operate on impressively sustainable principles, from the sourcing of the food to its disposal, from the making of the chairs you sit on and the energy used to light the restaurant. Why not delight your eco-conscious other half to a delicious meal at one such establishment (get booking now!)

Follow the jump for more suggestions.

For Her
Nothing says 'I love you' like a pair of silky, sexy hemp knickers! The cute pair above by Green Knickers are made from hemp and silk, and have all the softness and the luxury of silk, with the positive impact and durability of hemp (the ultimate natural fibre). Buy them for £25 from Nigel's Eco Store and they'll arrive in a fairtrade recycled gift box within 24 hours of purchase. If you're so excited by this idea that you want to see more eco-friendly frillies, go and check out Enamore's selection or the sumptuous range at Eco Boudoir. Too embarrassed to buy knickers? We'll be featuring loads more girls' gift ideas on hippyshopper between now and 14th Feb.

For Him
I love these recycled scrabble cufflinks. Smart, quirky and recycled, they are made from travel-sized scrabble squares and you can pick whatever letters you like -- as meaningful or random as you choose. If you want a more intimate gift for your eco-warrior hunk, how about a pair of 'pants to poverty' boxer shorts?

For your geeky lover
I couldn't resist including the fabulous pink solio charger in this list. Let them know you'll keep their juices flowing as long as the sun shines, with the cutest-looking miniature solar panel out there. Oh, and it comes in black, too.

Don't forget the flowers...
If you want to use a tried and tested, safe method of flower delivery, see our post on Interflora's fairtrade roses here. John Lewis have an even wider range, which includes sunflowers and other blooms so you don't have to stick to the traditional roses idea.

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