6 Tips: Save the Earth and Your Dating / Social Life at the Same Time

There are many personal benefits to going green, and one of them is your social relationships. Believe it or not, going more pro-Earth can benefit your networking, your friendships and even your dating life. As someone who strives to be more green by the day, here are my personal thoughts on why I believe this to be true. When you make the commitment to live a greener life, you are inevitably and always learning new issues that affect our planet, whether it is a new vegetarian recipe you share with loved ones (I just made vegetarian okonomiyaki last weekend) or a great new program that rewards people with coupons for free stuff for recyling their trash (see Olivia's interview with CEO of RecycleBank here). After all, do they not say that like tends to attract like? Learning about interesting topic matters that affect the welfare of humanity leads to meeting and interacting with other committed, passionate, brave and selfless individuals--famous and non-famous--who are all making the humble effort to make the planet a more sustainable place. Nature hikes lead to other engaging and inspiring green social events, whether they come in the form of your weekly Farmer's Market or a local Earth Day concert. And here is where my super-biased perspective comes in. I like to think that environmentally-conscious people are in general, pretty cool people. For the most part, green people are un-materialistic, civic-minded, healthy, empathetic and interesting to talk to. (Of course, going green also brings out the Shadow characteristics of pretentiousness, eco-snobbery, misanthropy, or ideological fanaticism in some people, but we're not worrying about those people right now.) Pro-Earth is essentially pro-people. Here are some ideas to start saving the Earth and growing your social life all at the same time. 1. Go on nature hikes, beach strolls, mountain climbs--anywhere with a lot of pretty, untouched nature. First of all, it's good exercise. Secondly, striking a conversation with a stranger in the context of a nature hike feels a little less desperate than in the context of a crowded, noisy bar. 2. Use public transportation or bike to places as much as possible. Driving your car means you are trapped in your own metal bubble. Riding the bus or biking on the streets takes away the glass and metal barrier from you and the rest of the world--and thus increases your probability of meeting someone who just may be your next business contact / best friend / spouse. 3. Become a vegetarian (or at least be open-minded to trying delicious vegetarian recipes). I must admit, I am so fascinated that an online vegetarian dating service exists for folks who want their prospective soulmates to be non-meat-eaters only. In any case, check out the vegetarian-related events in your area, such as local resataurants and bakeries, joining The Vegetarian Society, or simply swapping recipes with online members of recipe communities like the vegan VegWeb.com. You'll eat delicious food and meet interesting vegetarian food afficionados along the way. 4. Consider the rewards of green karma. Now bear with me on this idea, but consider that when we get rid of excess things in our lives, we allow for new and better improvements to come into our lives. When you give away your old junk to charity and make a vow to live more sustainably, you are making room for the non-material, more important aspects of life. Like, I don't know, great human connections. Also, consider the universal spiritual law that is true for everyone regardless of your ideological belief: when you give more, you get more. This probably couldn't be more true when you give your time, money and effort caring for the one and only Mother Earth that keeps all of us alive. Start planting those trees or picking up that beach litter! 5. Constantly educate yourself on green issues. Because bringing up the eternal paper or plastic debate is so last century. (Tote bags, duh.) Because the ability to speak eloquently on an Earth issue you are passionate about will make for more engaging dialogue with your fellow humans. Because being an eternal student of life and the planet is so much more attractive than a know-it-all who stopped intellectually growing since college graduation. 6. Go to farmer's markets, recycling centers and other Earth-friendly events and places right in your community. I personally love farmer's markets. The weekly ritual makes me feel so much more appreciative of and connected to the neighborhood I live in. Becoming a familiar face in the local community scene--whatever that may be-- always makes for great human connections.