Last-minute Valentine's ideas

Valentine's Day is almost here, but you forgot to order a dozen VeriFlora-certified roses in time for delivery. And diamonds, conflict-free or otherwise, aren't in the budget. What's a love-struck greenie to do?

If you're a tiny bit creative, you can still shower your sweetie with earth-friendly goodies. Here are some ideas I've found around the Web ...

The New American Dream site helps you whip up a dreamy Valentine's Day, greenly but without spending a lot of green.

I adore this one: Give your date a box of 40 dates. Write down 40 ideas on slips of paper and wrap them up in a pretty box (maybe recycle a fancy candy box). Each idea is for a future date together -- things like cooking a favorite meal or taking a candlelit bubble bath.

Make the dates simple, fun things instead of wildly expensive or complicated. Check out the Dollar Stretcher's ideas to go beyond dinner and a movie, plus use the list of 25 cheap or free dates (many of which get out into nature).

Bankrate.com has more suggestions for inexpensive sweet gifts you can create. The list is geared toward guys impressing gals, but most anyone should appreciate it.

And since they don't increase landfill garbage or require buying goods harvested under questionable conditions, these ideas are fairly eco-friendly too.

For example: Detail your Valentine's car. A clean car runs more efficiently and can use less fuel, so this is a treat for your sweetheart's wallet and the planet too.

While you're at it, be sure to inflate the tires -- which can save up to 9 cents per gallon. Check for clogged air filters (could save 31 cents per gallon!), and consider replacing it with a lifetime filter for maximum savings.

Our pal Hank Green, aka EcoGeek, is a closet romantic too. Or at least, he knows how to catch a green girl's eye. Tips include:

• Donate to a local wildlife refuge, land trust, or wildlife rehabilitation center.
• Save water by showering together.
• Save energy, turn down the thermostat, and warm up the bed the old-fashioned, earth-friendly way.