Green Living: On a date with the environment

These days, dating can be just as challenging as sitting through job interviews. So, why not give yourself an advantage by demonstrating an earth-conscious attitude? Perhaps there's an environmental activist girl or guy you're looking to impress, or maybe you'd just like to try and make all aspects of your life a little more eco-friendly? Either way it's easier than you think, and the little things you do will not only impress your company, but the environment too. Below I've compiled some tips on how to make any romantic evening “green.”

The Pick-Up
As much as you may want to show off your shiny new wheels, try busing or walking it to your date's place, and then taking him/her out somewhere within walking distance, instead. It'll save you some gas, and much more in pollution!

If you don't own a car, even better for you! You can use this to your advantage by telling your date that you are just watching out for the environment.

In the event that you need to drive (ie: your date lives in the middle of nowhere), show them you care by turning off your car at long stops to avoid idling, or walking into the Tim Hortons to buy them a coffee/tea, instead of using the drive-thru. These actions will indicate to your potential new mate that you recognize that every little bit counts.

The Gift
It's kind of an old fashioned tradition, but it's still nice to give your date a gift, when you pick them up. Standard “date gifts” include: chocolates, flowers, wine or even jewellery (if you're lucky). If you decide to take part in this custom, why not select a gift that is both environmentally- and ethically-thoughtful?

Rather than giving one of the typical items previously mentioned, you could give him/her a Fair Trade chocolate bar, some organic or local wine, or even a potted plant, in lieu of cut flowers. These gifts are sure to make a memorable impression, and have a more positive impact on the world than their alternatives.

The Meal
It's hard to find an environmentally-conscious restaurant that isn't super expensive, but if you have the money, you should go for somewhere that tries to use mostly local and organic ingredients. This means that the meals you and your date will be eating have less miles on their record, which in turn, means less gas emissions. Looking for grain-fed/free-run chicken and other ethically-treated meats, is also in your best interest. Above all, don't be afraid to ask!

Also, make sure that you bring tupperware for your leftovers. Although we know how harmful it is to our environment, many restaurants still use styrofoam for some strange reason. It may seem odd to be carrying around tupperware, but consider its practicality, above everything else.

If you can't afford to eat at a locally-minded restaurant, you can always buy local ingredients yourself, at the market, and cook for your date, instead. Because it's so rare to find people who cook from scratch these days, putting in this kind of effort will win you huge points. Not only will it save you money, and gas, but at the end of the night, you'll both already be at your place. How convenient!

All of these ideas will help you treat your date (and the environment) right. A little bit of thoughtfulness goes a long way in the dating game, and putting on a “green” attitude may just make your evening a more successful one!

Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.