“M’illumino di meno” inflames the hearts of lovers

by Eleonora Anello

Valentine's Day 2010 dedicated to saving energy. This year, the consumer-lovers' festivity will coincide with M’illumino di meno (I will use less light), the day of the energy saving launched by Caterpillar, radio program on air on Radio Due. Scrolling through the various proposed initiatives, those addressed to ecological lovers abound. Many restaurants indeed will serve tasty strictly candlelight dinners.
It’s the case, for example, of Vallenostra farm of Mongiardino Ligure (Piedmont), that from 12 to 14 February, celebrates the reopening after the winter with a series of dinners made with cheese, made with milk of ewes milked hand. A symbolic gesture that represents a return to tradition but above all a choice in favour of energy saving. Both the dairy, which recovers culinary traditions and extinct products, and the farm, making use of solar energy and light bulbs.
The classic romantic dinner become an opportunity to think about waste, alternative energy sources and new possible ways of life, healthier and more respectful of our planet. To the customers will be distributed the decalogue of energy saving of "M'illumino di meno", simple rules that, hopefully, are applied daily.

The lovers can celebrate their special day in a sustainable way by attending the “Feast of the group kiss by candle light" to be held in Lush shops in Rome, where the photovoltaic torch is scheduled to arrive kicks off the final event. Between 18 and 19 p.m. on Friday, the shops specialized in natural cosmetics, hand made and called with strange names, will create a romantic atmosphere by turning off the electric lights and lighting the candles more environmentally friendly. The customers will thus be invited to express their love by exchanging passionate kisses.

Another way to match Valentine’s day to support to the environment, is expected to Gradara (Marche - Italy), one of the symbol of love, where Paolo and Francesca fell in love, the lustfuls protagonists of the Divina Commedia by Dante. With the eighth edition of "Gradara da amare", even the association for the city adheres to M’illumino di meno. The lighting of the area of the charming medieval castle will be turned off and will be lit by 1000 candles and flashing LED lights that reddened the walls throughout the village, making Gradara a big huge heart. From February 12 to 14 all persons who will enter the centre can collect information material on energy saving.

Many original ways to spend a sustainable Valentine's, thinking about the need for a more correct and careful use of energy resources. M’illumino di meno is proving an effective campaign that fits in well at every event, giving it a different meaning. Will Valentine’s make us become more environmentally friendly?