We knowwe know: Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a Hallmark holidaypromoted mainly to increase consumerism. Or is it? Now you can show a little love for Mother Earth while celebrating the amorous occasion. This week we’re telling you how.

Tip #3: Give ExperiencesNot Things

If you give your Valentine a tchotchke or doodadconsider how soon it may end up in a landfill. Insteadyou can plan a hike and a picnic in your mutually favorite nature spot. Other memorable small-footprint ideas include a day at an organic spaa gift certificate to a vegetarian restauranta cooking or dancing classtickets to a nearby concert or playa subscription to a local CSAor a digital playlist. You can even adopt a national park in your sweetheart’s name. If you do choose to give an objectcheck out Sierra magazine’s guide to green Valentine’s gifts.