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Easy ways to go green
I am looking for ways to make choices for the wedding that are environmentally and social concious. It's not something I want to get on a soapbox about, but it is important to me. Also, I keep those ideals in mind during my day-to-day life, so why wouldn't I for our wedding? Share some of the ways you've found that you can "green" your wedding without a lot of cost of hassle -- here are a few of mine:
-- Think local, organic and/or fair trade for flowers. We are going with Whole Foods, where many flowers are local, some are organic, and all are fair trade.
-- If you are serving fish, avoid overfished species as well as those that may pose a hazard due to mercury contamination.
-- Don't buy decorations that you can't easily incorporate into your own home or give away after the wedding. I am getting vases for our tables, and because they are a simple glass design, they will work in our apartment as well.
-- Use rentals instead of disposable plates and utensils. Even environmentally-friendly disposables still get thrown away after one use.
-- Think simple. Our theme is minimalist and modern, which is helping us to make smarter choices because we're consciously trying to avoid excess. Picking a vision and sticking to it, avoiding the temptation to add just one more thing here and there, means less stuff bought, less money spent, and less thrown away after the fact.
-- Think local, organic and/or fair trade for flowers. We are going with Whole Foods, where many flowers are local, some are organic, and all are fair trade.
-- If you are serving fish, avoid overfished species as well as those that may pose a hazard due to mercury contamination.
-- Don't buy decorations that you can't easily incorporate into your own home or give away after the wedding. I am getting vases for our tables, and because they are a simple glass design, they will work in our apartment as well.
-- Use rentals instead of disposable plates and utensils. Even environmentally-friendly disposables still get thrown away after one use.
-- Think simple. Our theme is minimalist and modern, which is helping us to make smarter choices because we're consciously trying to avoid excess. Picking a vision and sticking to it, avoiding the temptation to add just one more thing here and there, means less stuff bought, less money spent, and less thrown away after the fact.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by SaraH on -
Those are some great ideas, Terri. We're staying at a green hotel on our honeymoon!
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Permalink Reply by Jen on -
Have you found any good green online printing/paper supply sites? I just finished up designing our save the dates and would love to get them printed on recycled or eco-friendly paper!
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Permalink Reply by Jenna on -
My dad is an organic farmer and so I am only going with a caterer that will be willing to use his produce and the produce of others in our area. I also plan on going with a slightly vintage feel to my theme, that way antique shops and used items can be used as much as possible. The first "green" Hyatt is going up in Seattle and if it is going to be open by October we are going to do our reception there (plus they really like my Dad's stuff so I know they would be willing to use it!)
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Permalink Reply by Kate on -
Paper Source has a great selection of eco-friendly papers to use for handmaking your own invites - they call them their PS Green Choices. They just came out with a bunch of really awesome Mid-Century Modern papers that come on recycled paper. They're beautiful!
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Permalink Reply by Darlene Hildebrandt on -
I like this idea, we recycle and compost too.
My cousin got married last month and they handed out rose petals in cups for people to throw instead of confetti (outdoor wedding) and it was gorgeous and eco friendly.
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Permalink Reply by Sherrlyn Borkgren on -
I love these ideas. I'll spread the word. I recently posted about Green wedding rings too, there's a beautiful picture on my blog of one of the rings. . I offer Green wedding albums on recycled paper and give extras for couples who have a green wedding. Even destination weddings can incorporate green practices ---I love the rose petals instead of confetti or what about throwing the seashells back into the ocean during the reception for beach weddings.
If you have idea you would like to see photographers incorporate to be more green please let me know. I am coordinating professional photographer meetings and I can share that information with others. http://www.BorkgrenPhoto.net
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