SustainLane Weekly Green
February 2009
Edition 92

Greetings!

While showing your loved ones how much you care this Valentine's Day, why not spread some of that love to the planet as well? With help from the SustainLane user base, you can stage the perfect green Valentine's Day, from the gifts you give to how you get around. And for all you singles out there, don't feel out of the loop. There are plenty of great green activities you can do sans significant other.

While the tried and true gifts of delectable chocolates and bouquets of flowers never fail in their powers to woo, make them extra special by choosing organic and fairly traded versions. And instead of relying on an aphrodisiac that may or may not work to set the mood, plan some eco-sizzling surprises, like a fizzing bath, to make this February 14th unforgettable.

Oh, and don't forget to vote for your favorite green movies on SustainLane for our first annual Green Film Awards.

So get those metaphoric fires raging and make love, not CO2.

Did you know? Our featured products and businesses are 100% paid-placement free. They are solely intended to represent the views of the SustainLane community.
In This Issue
Featured Product: Dark Almond Chocolate
Featured Story: Six Eco-Sizzling Surprises That Say 'Be My Valentine'
GreenBusters: Aphrodisiacs
Featured Tip: Riding in Style
Staff Pick: Organic Bouquet
Spotlight: Valentine's Day for Singles
Valentine's Day Vitals
Video: How to Make Fizzing Bath Bombs
DarkChocolateFeatured Product: Dark Almond Chocolate
Chocolate Considering the chocolate industry's bad rap, Alter-Eco's fairly traded and organic Dark Almond Chocolate is one brand you can feel good about gifting this Valentine's Day. SustainLane user Kate B. loves that she can indulge her sweet tooth guilt-free.

Click for Dark Almond Chocolate


Five Starsmmmmm......melts in your mouth!

Kate B."Alter Eco's dark velvet chocolate bar is super smooth and rich, without the bitter taste you get when there's too much cacao. Plus, it's fair trade certified and 100% natural..." read more.

- Kate B.

Have you tried Alter-Eco's Dark Almond Chocolate? Review it now on SustainLane.com!
StoryBeMyValentineFeatured Story: Six Eco-Sizzling Surprises That Say 'Be My Valentine'
Hand HeartAhhh, Valentine's Day, a time of red roses, candy hearts, and...did we say red roses?

Let's face it: the traditional options get boring year after year, and nothing kills romance like boredom. Instead, try some eco-conscious surprises for your loved one this year.

Click to read the full story


Have you found the perfect eco-chic way to say "Be my Valentine?" Share your tips on SustainLane.com now!
GreenBusterGreenbusters: Is Chocolate an Aphrodisiac?
Chocolate Don Juans and Cassanovas buy millions of boxes of chocolate each Valentine's Day because of their supposed passion-inducing properties. But is chocolate really love potion in a bite?

Click to reveal the answer

Have you tried an aphrodisiac that works? Or one that's bogus? Share your experiences on SustainLane.com now!

TransportationGreen Tip: Riding in Style
Biking Couple Make a good impression on your date by choosing eco-friendly transportation this Valentine's Day. Barreling to your green destination in an SUV is sure to be a mood killer. And besides, your green chariot awaits in these four tips:

Bike: Have you heard that exercise increases feel-good endorphins? Pump up the passion by putting the pedal to the metal on a bicycle.
 
Walk: Stroll to your destination. Walking side-by-side lends itself to hand-holding, and who doesn't want to hold hands?
 
Use Public Transit: Take advantage of public transportation on Valentine's Day. Think of it as a mini adventure you and your date can have. While you're waiting for your bus or train to arrive is a great opportunity to strike up conversation.
 
Ride a Motorbike or Scooter: Wrap your arms around your date, or vice-versa while you zip around town on a fuel-efficient scooter or low-impact motorbike.
 
Share your green transportation ideas on SustainLane.com!
OrganicBouquetStaff Pick: Organic Bouquet
RosesRoses are red, violets are blue,
SustainLane's Adam W. loves Organic Bouquet's certified organic, fresh and fragrant florals, and you might, too.

Click for Organic Bouquet


Five StarsFabulous Flowers

Adam W."I have always been into much more personal, meaningful gifts, but for this one holiday I have always just kinda gone the old school route because it's what makes my girl happy and that's really what it's all about..." read more.

- Adam W.

Have you sent flowers through Organic Bouquet? Review them now on SustainLane.com!



SinglesValentinesSpotlight: Valentine's Day for the Singles
Valentine's CoupleA "singles Valentines Day" query on Google returns pages speckled with tips on how to "cope" and "survive" the day, to which we say a resounding and unequivocal: "phooey!"
While we would all love to...

Click for the Full Story


Share your tips for celebrating a solo Valentine's Day on SustainLane.com!
GreenFilmsVote for Your Favorite Green Films
Academy AwardsIn the spirit of the upcoming Oscars, SustainLane is giving out its own awards for green films. Cast your ballots for the films you want to see win. The polls are open until Sunday, February 15th, and each vote enters you in a raffle to win one of five stainless steel water bottles.

Vote for your favorite films now

Post your favorite green films on SustainLane.com now!
IntheNewsValentine's Day Vitals
Candy HeartsGreen Dating Survival Guide
Learn the ropes of eco-conscious dating.

Pour on the Passion
Perform a sip tease with these great Valentine's Day drinks.

Green is the New Red
Need more ideas to green Valentine's Day? Read on for five tips to help you do just that.

Valentine's Day History
How did we come to celebrate February 14th like we do? The History Channel digs deep to find out why.

Frugal Valentine's Tips
Find out how to show you care while sticking to a budget.

Inspired to discuss a story? Post your comments on
SustainLane.com!
VideoVideo: How to Make Fizzing Bath Bombs
Bath BombAs an extra special treat for an extra special person, draw a bath, and drop in a bath bomb. Bath bombs infuse a mundane soak with an effervescent fizzle and also make great gifts!

Watch the Video Now
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