Pink and red are the colors most often associated with Valentine’s Day, but those in the know are thinking green. You can too, and with a little help from local businesses and public transit, it’s easy to do! Too many conventional ways of celebrating involve throw-away wasteful trinkets, high pesticide use, and burning through fossil fuels.

Make your own gifts.

Save money, trees, and other resources by hand-making unique cards and gifts.

Work with the following local experts to create something made-to-order for your favorite Valentine.

Phebie’s NeedleArt is a unique Claremont yarn store offering hundreds of varieties of fine yarns, threads, and beads.

Take Lines 188, 197, 292, and 480 to Indian Hill Blvd and Santa Fe St, then head north on Indian Hill Blvd toward Santa Fe St, turn left onto 1st St, and Phebie’s will be on the left.

Hearts n Crafts is a healing, healthy center of creative arts.

They serve an ever-growing family of scrapbookers and paper crafters. Take Line 284 to Foothill Blvd and Minnesota Ave. Hearts n Crafts classes are held at 249 East Foothill Blvd.

Homemade gifts that you can eat are always a hit, too. Browse for local, organic ingredients at a neighborhood store like this one.

Tropicana Market is a Mediterranean Gourmet Market in Duarte that sells fresh produce, meat, fish, and sweets.

Take Lines 187 and 272 to Huntington Dr and Buena Vista St. Tropicana Market is at 1406 E Huntington Dr.

Be a conscious consumer.

Turn traditional gifts green if you prefer to purchase.

Second-hand stores are great places to find one-of-a-kind treasures. Consider buying heirloom jewelry or, if you want to buy new, choose a retailer whose materials are certified ecologically friendly.

Adira’s Vintage Boutique is a consignment boutique featuring a selection of vintage clothing, shoes, hats, and accessories located in Pasadena.

Take Line 187 to Colorado and Allen, then head north on Allen. The shop is just to the east on Walnut, at 1840 E Walnut St.

Give goodies that do good.

Consider buying treats that are organic, fair trade, and made using sustainable practices.

Sprouts Farmers Markets offer locally made baked goods with plenty of organic options.

Brea: 735 E Birch St
Take Line 286 to State College and Birch
Claremont: 835 W Foothill Blvd
Take Line 188 to and Foothill Blvd and Mountain Ave
Diamond Bar: 239 S Diamond Bar Blvd
Take Line 482 to Diamond Bar Blvd and Town Center
Glendora: 655 S Grand Ave
Take Line 188, 284, or 488 to Grand Ave and Rte 66
La Verne: 1375 Foothill Blvd
Take Line 188 to Foothill Blvd and Wheeler Ave
Monrovia: 400 W Huntington Dr
Take Line 187 to Huntington Dr and Mayflower Ave
Pasadena: 39 N Rosemead Blvd
Take Line 187 to Rosemead Blvd and Colorado Blvd
West Covina: 2630 E Workman Ave
Take Line 190, 281, 284, 480, or 488 to Eastland Center
Whittier: 15801 Whittier Blvd
Take Line 285 to Whittier Blvd and Santa Gertrudes Ave

One Veg World is focused on creating an great vegan cuisine to benefit your health, the world’s animals, and our environment.

They offer a full restaurant experience, a mini-mart, and catering services. Take Lines 480, 488, and the Silver Streak to Vincent Ave and Lakes or Plaza. Head east on Lakes Dr, then turn left onto Glendora Ave. The restaurant will be on the right.

Paint the town green.

When planning a Valentine’s Day date, consider selecting an eatery that uses local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.

Uno Tre Otto prides themselves on their traditionally inspired Italian cuisine prepared from produce harvested daily from their 10-acre family farm, Amy’s Farm in Ontario, and pasta made from scratch using flour milled to order at Grist & Toll in Pasadena.

Take Lines 188, 197, 292, 480, and 492 to 1st St and Harvard Ave. Head west on 1st St, then north on Indian Hill Blvd. The restaurant is on the right.

And of course, use public transit!

As you prepare for and celebrate Valentine’s Day, consider getting about on the bus. Foothill Transit has led the charge in sustainable transportation for years. We’re committed to operating a zero-emission bus fleet. Because we believe in guilt-free trips. In exploring the earth – not exploiting it. And that with your help, we can make saving our planet as simple as going for a ride.

Show your love this Valentine’s Day – love for your special someone, for your community, and for the whole world.