Feb 15 2009
Background
The Philosophy of Green
Weddings
Wedding Gowns and Clothing
Gold
and Jewellery
Food, Drinks and Catering
Locations and Travel
Stationery and
Invitations
Flowers and Decorations
Gifts
Photography
Honeymoon
Background
As the world becomes increasingly environmentally aware brides and grooms are
responding by walking their wedding celebrations as green as possible. This
article examines 'Green Weddings', also known as ' Natural Weddings' and looks
at how you can hold your own green wedding.
The Philosophy of Green Weddings
Most weddings by their very nature use a vast array of resources and generate
large amounts of waste. Green weddings are focussed on using as little resources
as possible, recycling, reducing the carbon footprint of the wedding and
minimising waste. The premise behind weddings tends to be that the couple are
joining together for life as a prelude to having children. If that next
generation of children are to inherit a healthy earth, a good place to begin
environmentally sustainable practices is with the wedding itself.
Wedding Gowns and Clothing
Wedding gowns, suits and other garments worn at a wedding are typically never
worn again. There are numerous ways the environmental impact of clothing can be
lessened for a wedding:
- Consider using the dress of your mother or grandmother. If the style does
not suit a designer can make a new dress using the same fabric.
- If using a new dress consider using natural fabrics like cotton, linen, silk
and hemp - particularly when these fabrics come from organic and ethical
sources.
- Hiring suits and dresses is another way to lessen the enviromental impact of
clothing as they will be used multiple times across the lifetime of the garment.
- Sell your dress to another bride so she can use it.
Gold and Jewellery
The mining of gold, diamonds and other precious gems often has a large, but
hidden impact on people and the environment. Gold mining is responsible for land
degradation and toxic contamination. The mining of diamonds, particularly '
blood diamonds' is responsible for the deaths of thousands of people, many of
them children. Green alternatives for wedding jewellery include:
- Use family heirloom or antique jewellery. Wear it 'as is' or have the item
redesigned and remade using the existing gold and diamonds.
- Source ethically mined gems for your jewellery
Food, Drinks and Catering
The food and drinks at a wedding are expensive and often excessive but there
are numerous ways to reduce the environmental impact:
- Use locally grown food
- Reduce waste by not overcatering. Donate any excess food to a charity group.
- Serve local beer and wine and ensure drinks are served in reusable glassware
Locations and Travel
Vehicle and jet emissions contribute heavily to air pollution and are a
consideration for a green wedding. Depending on where you wedding is held a
percentage of your guests are likely to be travelling considerable distances to
attend.
- Minimise travel by holding your ceremony and reception in the same place
- Select venues that are environmentally friendly
- Use a bus to transport guests or have them car pool
- Choose fewer or fuel efficient wedding cars
Stationery and Invitations
Stationery, invitations and other printed material should be minimised and
use recycled paper. Keep guests informed of accommodation options, etc by using
websites or Facebook rather than by printing material for them.
Flowers and Decorations
Flowers and decorations at weddings are often used once only. Decorations can
be hired and plants used in place of flower arrangements. Guests can be asked to
take the plants home with them for planting in their garden. Use locally sourced
and grown flowers for your bouquet.
Gifts
Use a gift registry to eliminate being given gifts you don't want or need.
Consider asking for cash so you can buy what you like, or even request donations
to a charity.
Photography
While your wedding photography might not spring to mind as an area where you
could have a greener wedding, your photos could generate a great degree of
waste. Processing of film and printing of images uses a cocktail of chemicals
and other resouces. Reduce the environmental impact of your wedding photos by
ensuring your photographer uses digital equipment with rechargeable batteries,
use digital proofs and only print the images you need.
Honeymoon
Even your honeymoon can be environmentally friendly. For a green honeymoon
consider:
- Ecotourism
- Offsetting the carbon emissions of your flights
- An adventurous, volunteering honeymoon
- Honeymoon close to home
Source: AZoCleantech