Whether it’s using more public transportation or using canvas bags to grocery shop, you can definitely see the world turning green. Of course, I’m talking about the move to become environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Consider choosing sustainable rings crafted from recycled materials or ethically sourced stones. This decision not only supports eco-friendly practices but also adds a unique touch to your wedding jewelry, reflecting your commitment to both love and the planet.
Whether you’re green to the extreme or just getting your toes wet, you can do something to help save our planet throughout your wedding planning period and wedding day. In following posts, we will break down the aspects of a wedding and give you the resources to get and stay green. Here, we’ll give you a few tips to get you started.
Vendors In General:
When looking for vendors, pick ones that likewise care about the environment. If they already have a plan to stay green, the less work you have in trying to come up with eco-chic ways of getting their jobs done. Also, chose local vendors. Not only are you saving on things like transportation and long-distance communication, but you’re supporting your local economy.
Photography/Videography:
Say goodbye to the harsh chemicals used to develop film. With today’s options of digital photography and videography, not only are you cutting out nasty chemicals and other harmful substances, but you can share your photos and videos more easily. If you’re dying to use film, look for vendors who use less harmful developing alternatives.
Invitations and Other Paper Products:
Here, using recycled is an obvious option. According to Ariel Dekovic, co-author of 365 Ways to Save the Earth, 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, the energy equivalent to 380 gallons of oil, and almost 60 pounds of pollutants are saved from being killed, used, or released into the air when one ton of recycled paper is used. By using recycled paper for your invitations and other paper products, you’re doing much more than saving a tree. Also consider turning to the net. Not everything (directions from the ceremony to the reception, travel info, etc) has to be printed on paper. Make a website and share the information that way. Just be aware of net illiterate individuals. Check out these site for green products: womancraft.net, jampaper.com, and greenerprinter.com.
Flowers:
This is a vendor in which it is tricky to go local and go global. Pick a local florist or floral designer who gets its flowers from a pesticide free, organic environment. Or for centerpieces, think foliage rather than flowers (or at least potted plants). Take a few different kinds and sizes of plants, add some stylish pots, and voila! You have fabulous centerpieces that you can either reuse at home or send them home with your guests as favors. Also consider substituting items in place of flowers, such as silk fans or paper umbrellas in place of bouquets or clusters of candles instead of centerpieces. Can’t find a florist who uses organic flowers? Check out organicbouquet.com.
Venues:
Think simplicity here. This doesn’t mean that you have to pick a venue for your ceremony or reception that is stark or boring, but rather places that already have character and need little more to make it perfect for your event. Think gardens or a historic house. Not only will you be saving the effort of coming up with more decoration, but you’ll also be saving time and money. You can’t possibly go wrong with that.
Food and Cake:
Again, go local! Choose organic foods from local grocers. Pick caterers who use organic ingredients and pick foods that are in season (there is no need in adding a dish that requires two ingredients to be flown in from other countries). The same goes for beverages; go for locally made wines or a shop that carries homegrown goods. And don’t just throw the leftovers away! If it is fresh and untouched, many groups will pick it up and deliver it to people in need. For more info on this, check out secondharvest.org. To find out more about eco-friendly menu choices, check out sustainabletable.com.