5 Eco-Friendly Dates

Have you considered an eco-friendly date?

I just read that the northern Gulf of Mexico, my favorite body of water, has a dead zone around the Texas and Louisiana border. Its an area so devoid of oxygen it can no longer sustain life. Fish have left the area. This news was a shock but it got me to thinking about ways I could "go green" in support of the planet. I'm planning a date for the weekend, so I decided the best place to start is with my dating life.

If you're looking for something different to do on a date try one or all of these five eco-friendly date ideas.

1. Plant A Tree

Plant a tree sapling at your home or your dates home. Or you can plant one for local seniors in your area or at the youth center. You can pick up a tree sapling at your local nursery or home improvement store. Don't add any pressure. It doesn?t have to symbolize the start of a great relationship. But it could.

2. Pick Your Own Fruit

Picking your own apples, strawberries or pumpkins is a great way to spend a morning. Then go home and make a delicious dish with your healthy treasure. Make the recipe together for further bonding. Ideas include apple pie, strawberry shortcake, pumpkin bread ?its all good. Visit a local farm within an hour drive from your city.

3. Visit the Farmer's Market

If going to the farm is not convenient, go to a farmer's market instead and shop for organic food. Try a new wine, bread and cheese. Then go to the park for a picnic or home to cook a healthy dinner for two.

4. Paddle The Water

Another eco-friendly date idea is to spend time on the water. Head out to the lake, rent a kayak for two, and paddle downstream. Enjoy the beauty of nature, the chirping of the birds, and each other. Take lunch in a waterproof container for an impromptu picnic.

5. Bike The Trail

Bikes not only don't pollute the air, they also help build a healthy heart and strong legs. There are many bike trails you can choose from in local parks, rails to trails, or just in your neighborhood. A good information source is, Rails to Trails. Visit www.traillink.com.

My date and I decided to bike to the Farmer's market. We bought seafood and veggies for stir fry. Then we took it all to his place to christen his brand new Wok. It was a wonderful day. -Donna Beasley