Sustainable Date Night Ideas
Image courtesy of Mark deJong via Unsplash
5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Sustainably
Going on a date with your significant other is the most popular way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. What most people don’t realize, though, is that the dates and gift-giving that come along with this holiday contribute to a lot of environmental waste. If you and your date (or friends and family) are looking for things to do to enjoy quality time together, here’s a few fun ways to do so sustainably:
Go Stargazing or Camping
Stargazing is a romantic way to enjoy someone’s company, and what better time to do this than on Valentine’s Day? Take your valentine, friends, or family to a local park or beach for the best view of the night sky. The Northeast Florida Astronomical Society hosts public stargazing nights Hanna Park, perfect for anyone in the Jacksonville area!
Have a Zero Waste Picnic
Having a zero waste picnic is an affordable and sustainable way to spend time with your loved ones. Find your favorite local spot outdoors and pack a picnic basket full of reusable cups, plates, and utensils from home. Packing food in jars or reusable containers is a great way to bring all your favorite snacks along, and any food waste that doesn’t get eaten can be used as compost material.
Take a Sunset Bike Ride
Sunset bike rides are a great way to enjoy being outdoors on Valentine’s Day, and there are plenty of parks and bike trails in Jacksonville to take advantage of. Visit the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail for a paved, linear path that’s easy to follow. For a quick, but slightly more challenging bike ride, visit Tillie K Fowler Regional Park. This park has shorter trails and offers a great view of Florida’s pines and wetlands.
Enjoy a Farm To Table Meal
Another sustainable date idea is enjoying a farm to table meal. Jacksonville is home to many farm to table restaurants that offer organic meals from local farms and sources. If you would rather stay in on Valentine’s Day, you can make your own farm to table meal by gathering ingredients from a farmer’s market.
Give a Sustainable Gift
Valentine’s Day is often known as one of the biggest gift-giving holidays, but gift giving can be sustainable, too! If your Valentine has a green thumb, gift them a plant they can use as decor in their home or office. Another sustainable gifting alternative is making your own personalized gift. DIY a Valentine’s Day card with recycled materials or bake a treat with locally sourced to surprise your loved one.
Timoti’s Seafood Shak
If you and your Valentine are looking for a place to enjoy fresh seafood, poke bowls, tacos, fried favorites, homemade desserts, and refreshing cocktails, head over to Timoti’s Seafood Shak!