Green Valentine's dinner at Zouk

3:36pm Wednesday 13th February 2008

To mark Valentine's Day, romantic couple Rebecca Lambert and Abad Hussein dined in a Bradford eaterie which has green' on the menu.

The couple - who are travelling to Paris tomorrow but wanted to celebrate locally first - tucked into a delicious meal at Zouk Tea Bar and Grill, on Leeds Road, which owner Peter Bashir aims to turn into the district's first ever green restaurant' within the next year.

"It was delicious, and we love the fact that the restaurant is run in an eco-friendly way," says Rebecca. "Things like this are vitally important, and made our meal all the more enjoyable."

Not only did the couple dine in an eco-friendly restaurant, they are making a green statement on Valentine's Day in other ways too.

"We have made each other cards, using off-cuts of card left over from other things," says Rebecca, a primary school teacher.

"So not only are we saving paper and reusing products, but we are saving ourselves money." Presents too, are bought with environmental and ethical considerations in mind.

"We both look for Fairtrade - most stores sell chocolates and wine that is produced through this system. And organic wine is easy to get hold of."

As a conscientious shopper, Rebecca is aware that, while Fairtrade products are imported from the other side of the world, the system is benefiting farmers and farm workers who would otherwise suffer hardship.

"It is satisfying buying Fairtrade because you know how much it is helping others by making sure they are paid a fair price for their goods," she says.

Rebecca and Abad, a mortgage adviser, supped wine from a Fairtrade range at Morrisons, and exchanged organic chocolate hearts from a selection at Marks & Spencer.

"There are such lovely gifts available which are produced in an eco or ethically-friendly way," says Rebecca.

"And, of course, we will put any empty cardboard packaging and bottles into our recycling bins," she laughs.

There are plenty of websites which sell eco-friendly Valentine gifts, one being treehugger.com which sells treats including organic chocolate, beeswax candles and organic champagne.

Another, biomelifestyle.com stocks a range of stylish, eco-friendly products which would make great Valentine presents, including photograph albums, cushions and picture frames.

If they were staying at home to eat, Rebecca would strive to buy locally-produced meat and vegetables.

This year, Rebecca and Abad are celebrating Valentine's Day in an extra special way - they are travelling to Paris for a romantic break. But they won't be clocking up air miles. Says Rebecca: "We are going by Eurostar. We prefer to travel by train - it is a much greener way to travel."

• With thanks to: Zouk Tea Bar and Grill, 1312 Leeds Road, Bradford BD3 8LF Tel: (01274) 258025, for Rebecca and Abad's meal.
  
  

Morrisons for Fairtrade wine, and Fairtrade roses.

Marks & Spencer for the organic chocolate hearts, both boxed and lollies.

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