Tuesday, September 10, 2013

It's Not Easy Being Green

Weddings contribute to a lot of waste.  Between invitations, flowers, favors, catering, travel and clothing it can result in quite a carbon footprint.  Sustainability is defined as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."  A sustainable wedding isn't going to change the world, but it's a good start to show that weddings can be possible without the waste and expense that traditionally comes with it.  Thus this is the game plan:

  • Go to thrift stores and flea market to get ideas and hunt down supplies.
  • Check Craigslist and eBay for other used items for the wedding.
  • Use recycled or sustainably produced paper for the invitations and provide an email RSVP rather than add more paper.
  • Make the "Save the Date" cards out of handmade seeded paper made from old newspaper pulp to be grown in a garden; these are going to be made by us as an experiment.
  • Forgo real flowers for paper flowers made from old comic books and maps as well as brooch bouquets.
  • Utilize solar lighting for accent lighting (charge lights then cover solar panels for light before ceremony).
  • Find alternatives for catering and provide compostable dinner, drink and flatware; in addition, provide recycling facilities for glass, plastics and metals.
  • Keep purchasing of new items to a minimum; sadly buying new is sometimes a necessary evil.

This might be a lot of work for some, but considering this was my major in college it is going to be a labor of love for both of us.  For more info on Green weddings, check out this website:

Green Bride Guide FAQ



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