Do The Green Thing: The Green Thing blog

Do The Green Thing's guide to Valentine's Day

2012-02-10T08:37:13Z

(Image: favim)

It's almost Valentine's Day and if you haven't got your gifts sorted yet then don't worry, we're here to help. Like most holidays, Valentine's Day can lead to a mountain of throw away gifts and unnecessary waste. But that doesn't mean that you can't give anything to one you love.

(Image: Who Made Your Pants)

Sexy underwear is great for everyone involved. Who Made Your Pants is a fab company making lovely lacy things from the off cuts of lingerie material that would otherwise go to waste. Not only that but they are made by some amazing women in Southampton who have fallen on hard times.

It you would rather make them yourself then head down to Sew Over It on Valentine's Day and learn how to make your own undies.

(Image: Hubpages)

Beautiful flowers are often flown in from other countries and although your love might be huge, your carbon footprint doesn't have to be. Check out these upcycled roses for a cleaner and wilt-free alternative. There are a dozen designs to choose from and not all of them involve being a craft-master.

If gifts are a must then nothing says 'I love you' more than Nothing TM.

Going out for a meal with the rest of the world's loved up couples isn't as romantic as you think. Get cosy at home and cook a yummy meat free meal together with some local veggies. Much more relaxing, and cheaper too!

If your special someone pops the question on the 14th then you might want to check out the top sustainable wedding trends for 2012 and here's a few helpful tips for planning your perfect green day.

As night draws in, stay warm without turning the heating on and have a little cuddle. Human Heat is the best way to stay snug, save money and share a little love. And if it's more than just love that you're sharing then don't forget these.

Hang up your bike

2012-02-10T08:24:21Z

(Image: BYografia)

Designers BYografia have designed this clever solution to bike storage in your home. Named the Bookbike it compromises of a bookshelf with a very large 'shelf' for putting your bike on while also providing space for your books/photos/ornaments. The picture says it all really! A great idea alongside a great design means that we want one to hang our bike on!

For more clever bike storing solutions 10 brilliant places to park your bike is a must read.

(Spotted on PSFK)

Be a dear and put on a sweater

2012-02-09T09:06:06Z

When you are feeling cold and are reaching to turn on the heating take a minute and call WWF's Granny Call Centre. This adorable service provides you with with a personal call from the granny of your choice who will urge you to "Turn down the heat and put on that sweater" in order to crank up the Human Heat.

Granny's the world over provide their families with warm woollies for the winter and today, on National Sweater Day, they are telling you all to don these snug jumpers and turn down the heating. You'll be so cosy and will look so well put together too!

Book a call for yourself or even for your friend who insists on turning up the heating while wearing nothing but vest in the middle of winter. We all know one of those!

Write your way to romance

2012-02-09T09:00:44Z

(Image: Katee)

Fancy a little Plugged Out gift for Valentine's Day? Then head along to ANDOR Bureau this Sunday 12th between 5-7pm. The romantic guys at the cafe have decided to host a love letter writing evening. With tea, sandwiches and cakes for sale and a BYOB policy to help loosen your tongue (£3 corkage charge), they'll help you get in the mood to tell that special someone exactly how you feel. So forget flown-in flowers and banish impersonal balloons. Buy Nothing for your loved one this year, just grab a pen and be the most romantic person in town.

(Spotted on Letterlounge)

Get tweets from your birdhouse

2012-02-08T09:06:58Z

Birdwatching can be a fairly time consuming activity that we don't all have the time for. This DIY birdhouse that tweets you when you have a winged visitor is perfect for those of us who cant spend hours staring out the window.

(Image: Screengrab from B-Squares)

Using the very clever B-Squares, modular components that let you build and power almost any small gadget you can think of, you can hack your birdhouse to send you a tweet when a bird enters. As the bird peeks his head into the box, it breaks the sensor and wirelessly transmits this information to your computer. Plus it's all powered by solar panels that sit on the birdhouse roof. This video makes it all look very simple (she says, having not tried it) but you may want to consider some sort of underfloor system to stop the birds accidentally electrocuting themselves.

Fancy a less technical birdhouse? Try these cute upcycled ones from old teapots.

(Spotted on Treehugger)