Lia Riley's 6 sexy ways to celebrate Earth Day
Lia Riley, author of Upside Down, book one in her Off the Map series and coming out in paperback next month, is a big fan of Earth Day and has some sexy suggestions for how to love up Earth today. Readers can also look forward to Lia's new Last First Kiss, book one in the Brightwater series, coming in June.
Lia: Happy Earth Day, everyone!
Wait, wait, wait, come back.
Don't assume that I'm going to lecture you with a slew of depressing facts or urge you to break out the pan flute, hemp necklaces and vegan cheese. Nope, simmer down, not going to happen. There are zero requests for you to commit to a diet of granola while abandoning deodorant (actually, please don't do that … there is a BIG SMELLY difference between being pro-environment and being stinky).
What better way to mark the event's 45th anniversary than through efficiency, namely — how can we show our small planet some much-needed love while increasing the romance quotient in our own lives?
Here are six sweet and sexy ways to celebrate:
Shower for two.
Showering IS important, but did you know it's also one of your monthly water bill's biggest offenders? The average shower lasts eight minutes, wasting over 40 gallons if you have an old shower head and a little over 16 if you have a new one. Still, we can do even better. Why not indulge in a little rub-a-dub fun with your significant other? You can get each other hot and squeaky clean while saving resources and money … that is, as long as you remember to get out to, ahem, dry off and take things elsewhere.
Shut off the lights.
Turning off lights cuts down on your electricity consumption, but also amps the romantic ambience. Why not declare the night to be light-free and substitute candles instead? And let's face it, computers suck power and canoodle time, so power down, and see how else you can turn each other on.
A romantic meal.
As the candles are already lit, consider a dinner of fresh, locally produced organic ingredients. The closer a product is grown to you, the lower the carbon footprint will be. Plus, organic farming keeps the soil healthy, making it an extra delicious choice.
Get outside
Anyone who reads my books knows I might have a propensity to write about outdoor smexy times. But, hey, nature can be sexy. Fresh air is invigorating, spring wildflowers are lovely, and let's face it — everything is better under a sunset. Did you know that entrance to national parks is free on Earth Day? Check out the National Park Service website www.nps.gov to find one close to you. Get out with your sweetie to experience the most awe-inspiring and romantic landscapes nature can offer.
Back to basics
Often the gifts that mean the most aren't "things" but words, deeds and quality time. Rather than show the one you love that they mean the world to you with a store-bought item, consider reducing consumption and offering a back rub, a kind word, a kiss or, hey, a suggestion to turn down the thermostat and use body heat.
There are countless fun ways to care for the planet and also for those who matter most in your life. We can all agree that a clean, vibrant, diverse and thriving planet is vital to keeping the ones we love thriving and healthy. So why not celebrate, honor and love the planet this Earth Day while doing the same for that special person in your life?
Find out more about Lia and her books at www.liariley.com.