But what about the couple who is still weighing their wedding options? They, of course, might need a little reason behind changing their throw-away utensils to ones that are biodegradable or choosing a gown that is made from hemp silk. Well, here is the nudge you need to make sure your marriage is one to not only your significant other, but the Earth, too.
Reduce Wedding Day Waste
Sticking with tradition might seem like the "easier" thing to do, when choosing between conventional wedding planning and having a green big day. But the truth is alternative options for food, invitations, transportation, dishware and utensils, attire and flower arrangements are much more readily available than you might think.A few simple swaps that will help reduce the amount of waste your nuptials have the potential to create:
1. Use dishware and utensils that are reusable. Tossing all of those paper products, and plastic cups and utensils in the garbage is only adding to the growing problem with overflowing landfills and products that take thousands, or sometimes millions of years, to decompose. It takes one million years -- if it ever happens -- for a plastic bag to decompose, so you do the math for how long it will take each one of your guests' plastics to clear the Earth.
2. Choose invitations made from recycled paper. It's a simple switch. Enough said.
3. Pick wedding bands that are made from recycled materials. Hard rock gold mining produces more toxic waste than any other U.S. industry, but there are other wedding ring options that are much more earth-friendly. Check out bands made of reused or recycled materials, like Brilliant Earth or Alkemie Jewelry. Scouring antique shops for a once-worn ring is not a bad idea either -- the options are endless and vintage is hot these days anyway.
4. Look for a venue with the Green Seal of approval. A venue that boasts the mark of this nonprofit agency is one that uses environmentally responsible and energy efficient products and services.
Other earth-safe options for your wedding include organic flowers, a gown and bridal dresses made from organic cotton or hemp silk, a vegetarian menu and a posh hybrid vehicle to cart you around on your big day.
5. Choose locally-grown food for your menu. Not only will you reduce emissions by cutting back on the gas it requires to ship some foods, but you will also be supporting your local community. Check out Local Harvest or Sustainable Table for farmers in your area.
Reuse and Help the Earth
Once your big day is over, make someone else smile by donating your flowers to a hospital or assisted-living home. You might also consider choosing blooms and plants that are potted, so that guests can take them home and plant them in their backyards.Your dress can be donated, and so can your bridesmaid dresses, and the men's suits or tuxes can all be rented -- what better example of reusing is there than that?!
Choosing a reception venue that also benefits another cause is a great way to make sure the fee you pay to use the space is "reused" for a greater benefit. For example, a reception at a botanical garden will help fund new plant life, helping the venue, the Earth and the air you breathe. Other options include a museum, historical home or local zoo -- all venues that will put your donation to use.
