Valentine’s Day can be different this year! We put together a list of eco-friendly activities and gifts that can make this day special for you and your loved one.

1. Cleanup the Beach or the Place You Love

Do you love the beach? 
This Valentine’s day be a real peach,
Find some litter, it might mean getting down on your knees,
then go log it in Clean Swell, it’s an absolute breeze! 

Removing litter from your favorite beach or park is a fun and lovely thing to do!

We invite you to join our Street to Beach Cleanups to conduct a cleanup at a location of your liking with your dear ones. Thanks to the Clean Swell app (available for iPhones & Androids) you can track the trash you pickup. Make sure to add “Pacific Beach Coalition” as your group so that your total gets added to our monthly and yearly results!

Here are some simple instructions about the Clean Swell app to get you started. Feel free to share your pictures by tagging us on Social Media (Facebook and/or Instagram) or by posting your cleanup directly on our Facebook Group.

2. Give Some Love to the Mission Blue

Roses are red, violets are blue 
Give the gift of a native plant, like California Fescue! 
Roses are red, violets are blue, 
Planting native plants is reeeeally what we want of you.
Roses are red violets are blue, 
We can all do this for the Mission Blue.

Planting some silver lupines will help preserve the Mission Blue butterflies.

This year, all of our actions are being focused on driving awareness towards the Mission Blue, an endangered butterfly native to the San Francisco Bay Area. An easy way to help the Mission Blue is by planting the type of plant they like to pollinate: silver lupines.

So get to your gardening tools! Purchase some silver lupine seeds and plant them for spring! If your local nursery doesn’t have them, you can purchase them online. These lupines are drought tolerant.

3. Show Your Love to the Planet with Eco-Friendly Gifts

Remember the planet this Valentine’s Day
Give gifts with minimal packaging, not just a throwaway
Forget the single-use plastic
Because that would be really fantastic!
Homemade, sustainable or locally bought, 
Whatever you decide, just give it a little extra thought! 

Purchasing thoughtful and eco-friendly gifts can make a big difference.

If you are not the outdoorsy type and want to express your love with a gift, here are some Earth conscious options:

• Check out fair-trade accessories and jewelry

From repurposed bombshell jewelry, to eco-leather bags, to hand-dyed scarves; Ten Thousand Villages offers a selection of products from innovative global makers who are earning fair wages in safe working conditions.

• Fill yourselves with some Earth friendly chocolates

Alter Eco is a chocolate brand that makes “organic chocolate while regenerating ecosystems, empowering farmers, and reversing climate change.” The chocolates are wrapped in compostable paper instead of plastic and for each purchase, they commit to plant trees.

• Find non air toxic candles

Did you know that burning some candles can be bad for you as they release toxins when burning? These Awaken candles are made of natural ingredients coconut wax, essential oils and cotton wicks.

• Purchase a native plant or a tree

Forget about cut flowers! Check what plants are native to your area and purchase a plant that will please your loved one and also help the wildlife. You can always go to your local nursery and ask for advice.

4. Support Clean Beaches, Give the Gift of a Membership

If you want to keep it simple but yet thoughtful or if you need a last minute gift that will make a difference, you can always buy a Pacific Beach Coalition membership dedicated to your special one. Becoming a member is easy. Purchase the level that fits to your heart and your wallet and add a message during your purchase. We will make sure to personalize the membership to the person(s) you love.

Please note that we are not sponsored or affiliated with any of theses brands and stores.