Make This Valentine's Day a Sustainable One

Looking for something to do this Valentine’s Day? Maybe something fun, inexpensive and eco-friendly? Well, then check out this list below on how to enjoy a great Valentine’s Day without out spending a lot, wasting a lot, and still having a great memory that will last!

1. Start simple, flowers. But just because you can pick up a bouquet of fresh cut flowers at most any place for Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you should! In just a few seconds you can do an internet search for “locally grown flowers near me” and find a healthy list of Cincinnati florists who grow their own flowers right here in the ‘Nati.
2. Flowers too predictable, too fleeting? Then go for a potted plant instead! Again, with a quick search you can find tons of great local nurseries that grow their own potted plants. So, grab a nice plant and cool pot and show the love!
3. Instead of shelling out for an expensive Valentine’s card, make your own! Find some materials that can be reused, write a heartfelt poem, and show your partner who creative you can be! You can even expand this into making your own gift to give. A gift made with love (and reusable and sustainable materials) will always be appreciated.
4. Instead of giving gifts, gift an experience! Go take a hike in one of our many hiking trails throughout Cincinnati Parks. Take an adventure and make it your own. There is so much to see at Mt. Airy Forest, Ault Park, French Park, Stanbery Park, Burnet Woods, or the beautiful and not-so-well-known Buttercup Valley/Parkers Woods! You can also gift a guided hike with Cincinnati Parks own Explore Nature! team or sign up for a Winter Naturalist 101 series (click this link to find out more events and info). There is so much to do and see at Cincinnati Parks!
5. Why not have picnic in a Cincinnati Park? You could visit Mt. Airy Arboretum for a garden picnic, Mt. Storm’s Temple of Love for a romantic setting, Eden Park’s Springhouse Gazebo on Mirror Lake for a serine setting, Hauck Botanic Gardens for a beautiful setting surrounded by nature or head down to the River and enjoy a picnic and a stroll at Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove, or Smale Park. Even if it’s chilly it could be a great excuse to snuggle up under a warm blanket and enjoy the park around you!
6. Bring a warm blanket and a telescope (if you’ve got one) and go star gazing at a Cincinnati Park. This is a great opportunity to spend some quality time together, explore the universe, and have great conversation! The parks are open until 10:00 pm every day, which should give you plenty of time to do some amazing star gazing this time of year. There are so many choices to choose from: Alms Park, Bellevue Park, Mt. Echo Park, Olden View Park, and so many more. Not to mention that all of these parks have amazing overlooks to enjoy stunning views of the river and city.

Whatever you choose to do for this Valentine’s Day remember its all about showing how much you love someone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show your love for Mother Earth too! Remember to try and shop local, fair trade, and sustainable. Your partner and the earth will appreciate your thoughtfulness and creativity this Valentine’s Day.