Earth Day falls on Thursday, April 22, 2010, and it's the 40th Anniversary of the holiday. It's a great time to learn about our planet and how to take care of it! Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. There’s a common misconception that having an eco-friendly wedding is expensive. But in a lot of areas, you can actually save money by being environmentally friendly.
It's easier than ever to lead a greener lifestyle.
Earthly Venues
One of the easiest ways to honor the planet is by using the great outdoors as the backdrop. Any open-air space, a beach (like I did, seen here), the woods, parks or hot springs in the mountains make ideal settings. A day wedding in the summer reduces the need for energy; add acoustic music and you are pretty perfect. Would you like to see a deer passing, swans parading by or hear wild parrots whistling but not be lost in the woods deep down in nature? Nature preserves, horse ranches, arboretums, Japanese gardens, spiritual and historical properties share their spaces and offer amenities like bathrooms and kitchens, gazebos and dance halls.
All over the US "green hotels" have opened up are independent from the power grid using their own solar power; they recycle, grow their flowers on-site without chemicals, thereby drastically reducing pollutants in the soil. Even better, they offer eco-comfort guest houses, so guests can rest in organic bedding.
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Wedding dresses can be expensive, and spending thousands on one purchase [that you won’t use other than your wedding day] is a little wasteful. The good news is there are numerous ways to have your dream dress and be sustainable. These days, eco-conscious designers are on the rise. Sustainable materials are getting more attention and I couldn’t be more excited about it! Dresses are available in everything from recycled plastics to hemp blends! One of my favorite fabrics is milk fiber. It enriches your skin while you wear it and even better, it's antibacterial! Organic clothing is another popular option for the "green" bride.
Something Old or Something Borrowed
Buying a pre-owned dress is a great way to think sustainably and to save money. More than likely, the dress was worn only that one day and is about half of the original price!
The After Effect
Selling your dress after you get married is a great way to recoup some of your money, or by donating you can bless another bride-to-be with a beautiful gown. I enjoy transforming something I'm tired of into something new and awesome! So why not alter your dress into a cool and sexy top to wear out on the town, or turn it into a keepsake blanket for your future child.
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Your wedding stationery is a great place to set the tone of your environmentally friendly wedding. There are many options today for 100% recycled, partially recycled or completely tree-free papers from wedding invitation suppliers. If you are interested in making your own invitations, the choices are unlimitied. Consider all these places for paper on your wedding day:
~ engagement announcements
~ save the date cards
~ shower invitations
~ shower thank you notes
~ wedding invitaitons
~ ceremony programs
~ place cards
~ menu cards
~ wedding announcements
~ thank you notes
~ save the date cards
~ shower invitations
~ shower thank you notes
~ wedding invitaitons
~ ceremony programs
~ place cards
~ menu cards
~ wedding announcements
~ thank you notes
Another option is communicating electronically to cut down on paper and waste. You may be interested in creating your own unique personal wedding website.
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Gold mining is one of the dirtiest businesses in the world. The production of one simple gold ring results in 20 tons of mine waste. Plus, didn't you ever see the movie "Blood Diamond" with Leonardo Dicaprio? The truth behind that alone should be enough to not purchase your diamond at big chain retailers. Instead, purchase jewelry made from recycled precious metals and stones. And don't forget the possibilities of transforming vintage pieces or family heirlooms into new, recycled classics. And there's always ebay!
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Your wedding flowers can be a place where you can make conscientious decisions which can have big eco- consequences. Many flowers sold are imported from developing countries where pesticide use is very high and labor conditions and wages are low. Choosing a florist where organically grown, in-season, local flowers are used can be a much better earth friendly choice. This will remove the need for long-distance transportation.
~ Choose organic fresh flowers
~ Buy fresh at your local farmer's market
~ Grow your own or force bulbs
~ Grow your own or force bulbs
~ Use faux flowers or petals as an eco friendly alternative
Reuse your flowers that day by transforming ceremony flowers into centerpieces at the reception. And while you're at it, consider finding vases made from recycled glass or a bamboo bowl, due to its renewable tendencies. After the party, donate them to a local hospital or senior citizen center or send them home with your guests.
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Supporting a local artisan is much more earth friendly than having cheap trinkets shipped half way around the world. One of the more obvious eco-friendly wedding favor ideas for couples is to give something organic. There are many options if you want to give small trees, seeds, bulbs or plants.
~ Organic milk and dark chocolate candy bars
~ Tree/ flower seedlings
~ Donations to your favorite charity in honor of your guests
~ Donations to your favorite charity in honor of your guests
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