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Are you familiar with the concept of love languages? If you haven’t heard it before, you may learn about this concept here. Valentine’s Day, Anniversary Day, or other momentous day like Birthday – might be a great moment to express affection using one of these preferred languages to our special someone.  

Love languages, as defined by Dr. Gary Chapman in his book “The Five Love Languages,” encompass the distinct ways individuals express and interpret love. These languages include physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, and quality time. 

While people commonly employ these five love languages to demonstrate love and affection to family, partner, friends, and others, we can also extend these expressions of love to showcase care for our Mother Earth and the environment that surrounds us.  

Here, we share our top tips for expressing love to our beloved planet through the five love languages! 

Physical touch  

For people who express love through physical touch, gestures like hugs, kisses, or holding hands make them feel safe and comfortable. While we can’t physically touch the planet in the same way, there are alternative ways to connect. Here are some ways to use this love language and engage with the Earth: 

1. Gardening or planting trees and plants at home 

2. Engage in environmental events, such as tree-planting events. You and your community can conduct a tree-planting event with Trees4Trees. Contact us to plan your event! 

3. Feel the texture of soil, water, or plants by running your hands through them when you are in nature  

4. Immersing ourselves in bodies of water, whether for swimming or canoeing 

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Words of affirmation  

Praise, appreciation, and other verbal compliments are part of the words of affirmation love language. These affirming words encourage those around you to actively engage in caring for our Earth. Here are ways to apply the words of affirmation love language to our planet: 

1. Sharing eco-friendly tips on your social media  

2. Recommend sustainable reads, movies, or documentaries to your friends  

3. Engage in discussions about sustainable living habits with friends and family 

Quality time  

Enjoying quality time with our Earth can be one of the most delightful ways to do it. It’s also a highly visible way to demonstrate our love for the environment. This involves being fully present, engaged, and attentive while spending time in nature to deepen our connection. Utilize the quality time love language to express love for the planet by: 

1. Spending hours on outdoor activities, such as hiking trails, seeking scenic views, exercise, or birdwatching.  

2. Having a zero-waste picnic with friends or family  

3. Journaling or reading outdoors in the garden or amidst greenery. 

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Receiving gifts  

The joy of receiving gifts is something that resonates with everyone. Expressing love through a gift goes beyond the tangible item; it encompasses the time, thought, and effort invested. While we can’t directly buy a gift to bring happiness to the planet as we do for our friends or family, we can consider these thoughtful gifts for our Mother Earth: 

1. Reduce the waste we generate that ends up in landfills and oceans. It will be a truly meaningful gift to Mother Earth! 

2. Instill a love for nature and the environment in our children and grandchildren. 

3. Donating to eco-organizations or green movements to support causes such as tree-planting, endangered species protection, or climate action. You can also give a gift of planted trees to your loved ones with us. Learn more here how to get involved. 

Photo: Freepik

Acts of Service  

Indeed, actions speak louder than words. While acts of service towards other people make them feel loved and appreciated, extending acts of service to our planet contributes to the well-being of the environment, ensuring its safety and protection. These actions can have both direct and indirect impacts. Consider the following ways to apply this love language to the planet: 

1. Clean the streets and pick up litter in your neighborhood. 

2. Compost all your food waste and other organic waste 

3. Embrace eco-friendly and sustainable changes in your life, such as starting to reuse, recycle items or using organic materials 

4. Volunteering to conservation group or environmental community, such as cleanup or tree-planting community 

Love is a language universally spoken, and each person has their preferred love languages and strengths in expressing themselves comfortably. So, which love language have you recently shown to the planet? Remember to share more love languages this Valentine’s Day to make it even more meaningful. 

Read more: 10 Eco Friendly Activity Ideas to Enjoy with Loved Ones