Hey there, love birds. Looking to make a big impression on the epic day for romance? Well have we got ideas for you! We’ve compiled a list of all the Valentine’s Day must-haves that promises to impress your partner and leave less of a dent in both your bank account and the planet.

• Flowers: Go with sustainable, organic flowers- local if possible. Give Organic Bouquet a try!
• Chocolate: Boxed chocolates are impersonal and so 10 years ago. If you want to impress your partner or guests at a Valentine’s party, make truffles! Try this recipe, which you can customize with four different options for flavoring and three options for coating.
• Dinner: Check out one of Chicago’s sustainable restaurants—try up-scale authentic Mexican dining at Topolobambo or try Uncommon Ground, America’s greenest restaurant. For an even more memorable evening, make a fondue dinner for an intimate evening at home with your loved one or a group of close friends.
• Inside the wrapping: Disclaimer—diamonds aren’t always a girl’s best friend. Instead of spending a fortune on that pair of earrings she may not like, buy tickets for a show you know she loves or go ice-skating in Millennium Park. Get tickets to Come Fly Away, featuring the romantic crooning of Sinatra, which is playing after Valentine’s Day in Chicago for an enchanting pre- or post-dinner surprise.
• The card that says it all: There is nothing like the look of fuzzy bears for Valentines day- and you can help ensure future generations will see them. NRDC is featuring a Valentine’s Collection of cards, which display cute animal pics to express how “otterly in love” you feel.
• Tying the knot: If you’re planning on popping the question this year, try something innovative and make your own fortune cookie.

We wish you and yours the best this Valentines Day. Email Christy with photos of your sustainable V-day by February 21st and enter for the chance to win a box of homemade truffles. We will also post the winning photos on Dirt. Help us show that every kiss doesn’t necessarily begin with Kay.

Student volunteers are needed for Chicago’s third annual Earth Day 5K Walk/Run on Thursday, April 21, 2012. In an effort to educate the community about going green, race participants and passers-by alike will be encouraged to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Student volunteers are needed at the event to share tips and information about recycling. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt, a race goodie bag, and a discounted race registration. The run/walk will be begin in Humboldt Park at 9:00am and will be followed by a Green Market with sustainable farmers and green products and services, to conclude at noon. If you’re interested in volunteering, email Lizette Ramirez .