Originally posted by disneyduckgal

Nothing says “I love you” like spending $19.6 billion! Well, OK, that’s a collective $19.6 billion. According to the National Retail Federation, that is what U.S. consumers are planning to spend this Valentine’s Day. That includes candy, flowers, clothing, jewelry, and dates—all great stuff, but then there’s all the packaging and other waste generated in the wake of your romantic day. Now, if all of that makes you quiver more than a loving look from your sweetheart, rest assured there are ways around making a pile of trash. Show your honey (and Mother Nature) you love them with these less-waste experience date night ideas for every type of couple.

Originally posted by pinkahre

The Romantic Couple

For those lovers who still get butterflies in their stomachs every time they set eyes on each other, pack a tasty picnic with reusable silverware, plates, a bottle of wine (don’t forget to recycle it), and a blanket. Get cozy and stargaze at night, or head out to a park during a sunny day. Bonus points if you can find a rose garden! Or, if you love romantic movies, meet your sweetie at a meaningful destination a la Sleepless in Seattle or An Affair to Remember.

The Whimsical Couple

Three words: living room teepee. OK, the whimsical date holds a special place in my heart because I’ve actually been on this date. Nothing melts my heart more than a less-waste movie night (Netflix it) or a story time (borrow or buy your favorite book) in a living room teepee. Those flowers will wilt and some of those chocolates might end up in the trash (who likes cherry filling, anyway?). But, the memory of snuggling up like kids in a teepee and reading favorite stories, watching cute movies, and coloring personalized Valentine cards will always fill your heart.

The Daring Couple

Do you love your partner as much as you love adventures and trying new things? Hike a new trail, take surfing lessons, or try indoor rock-climbing—talk about learning to trust your bae! If you’re a pair of daredevils, plan a sasquatch hunt (also known as camping) or book a stay at a haunted hotel for a night of ghost hunting. Nothing will bring you closer to your boo than a potential boo from a spirit! It’ll also give you an excuse to hold each other all night.

Originally posted by wearemadeofblood

The Cultured Couple

For the more sophisticated types, start your date with wine tasting. And if you’re really interested about how your date will impact the environment, look for a vineyard that does business with a less-waste model. Thankfully, there are many out there, especially in wine country. Visit an art gallery or see a play for the main event, and then relax with a couples massage. 

Originally posted by spontaneouslyinlove

The Fun-Loving Couple

And lastly, for the fun-loving, up-for-anything, life-of-the-party couple, spend your Valentine’s with a fun activity like mini-golf, bowling, or dance lessons. It’ll give you an excuse to get your arms around each other when learning. If you’re kind of artsy, dust off your camera and head out to explore your town with a photo walk. Hold hands, take photos of each other in your favorite places, then share your photos with each other. It’s always fun to see yourself from the perspective of someone who loves you.

Date night ideas for the Mother Nature lover

Originally posted by neaarty

Valentine’s Day is swiftly approaching. Love is in the air, but it doesn’t have to smell like a landfill.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are planning to spend an average of $89.86 on Valentine’s Day gifts. What happens to those greeting cards and flowers ($1.1 billion and $1.9 billion respectively) come February 15? Sadly, cards, flowers, and those adorable conversation hearts end up in the trash. (Flowers can go in the green waste bin!) 

As it turns out, 24 percent of Americans surveyed plan to give experience gifts, while approximately 40 percent hope to receiveexperience gifts! So, if you’re all about the love story, show both your partner and Mother Nature some affection with these date-night ideas that are practically waste-free and inexpensive, too.

For nature-loving sweethearts, rent a bicycle built for two and ride to new or memorable places. You’ll be getting exercise and quality time together and, as a bonus, you won’t be generating trash. 

Just not into riding bikes? Sow the seeds of love by planting a drought-friendly or native flora garden. You can enjoy it year round, and it won’t end up in the trash a week later like those fresh-cut flowers. To find flowers that fit your garden, and their meaning, check out this website. 

Are you in a new relationship? Learn what makes your partner’s heart flutter with a game of 20 (or more) questions. You can play anywhere: at home, the spot where you met, or a romantic cafe. If you want, use small scraps of paper to write the questions, pick them from a jar, and reuse both for the next quality time occasion. 

Singles, you have not been forgotten! You don’t have to be lonesome just because you weren’t shot with Cupid’s arrow this year. Learn the meaning of “puppy love” by volunteering to walk dogs at your local animal shelter. Dogs need love, too! Skip the chocolate and flowers, get some exercise, and spend time with someone who really needs it. 

Now, get out there and show Mother Nature she’s your main squeeze.