Eco-Friendly Weddings
Article by Christine Robinson
Eco-conscious, or green, weddings are not just about
organic cotton
dresses and biodiesel limos (although they are about that, too). Green
weddings are simply a continuation of the efforts that people are making to
reduce the negative impact that our behaviors have on the world. It means
choosing a location that reduces the travel distance of the guests. It
means creating a menu of local, in-season and organic foods. It means
choosing organically grown flowers that are native to the area of the
wedding. It means using post-consumer recycled paper for the invitations.
And, perhaps, a wedding ring without a "blood" diamond. It is
all about
making environmentally conscious choices, avoiding over consumption.
 
Eco-Chic Weddings: Simple Tips to Plan an Environmentally Friendly, Socially Responsible, Affordable, and Stylish Celebration
Now, everyone has their own comfort level about green
weddings. Not
all are willing to give up the diamond, or the huge black limo. Most
people
will go for recycled invites and local flowers. Instead of regular coffee,
maybe get fair-trade, shade-grown coffee. And maybe some couples are
willing to ask for donations to Habitat For Humanity or Peta instead of
registering for an electric knife or a relish tray. Or maybe you do need
some things to start your life together. But instead of a crystal
punchbowl
and a set of china that will never get used, maybe you could opt for
energy-saving lights or organic cotton linens. Gaiam.com: A Lifestyle Destination
has many home
goods that are eco-friendly. Another great source of organic and hemp
linens is www.Rawganique.com.
 
Organic Bedding from Gaiam- click above for details.
One way to reduce the global impact is by encouraging
guests to
carpool. Also you can rent a biodiesel limo, hybrid or electric cars.
Some
people request that guests plant trees in lieu of gifts to make up for the
carbon emissions created by the travel necessitated by their big day.
 
Green Weddings That Don't Cost the Earth
Carol Reed-Jones, author of "Green Weddings That Don't Cost the Earth"
(Paper Crane Press, 1996), has suggestions and a message board at
www.ecolivingcenter.com.
 
Organic Weddings: Balancing Ecology, Style and Tradition by Michelle Kozin
Green Elegance Weddings
www.greeneleganceweddings.com
Simply Organic Weddings
www.simplyorganicweddings.com
Green Karat
www.greenkarat.com
Deborah Lindquist, designer
www.deborahlindquist.com
Wearable Art Studio
www.naturalfiberclothing.com
Cornstarch and wooden utnesils
www.simplybiodegradable.com
Stylist and Wedding Planner, Darcey Howar d
www.getlifestyled.com
Dress: Chrissy of Wai Ching
www.wai-ching.com
Invitations
www.ilee.net
"I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked what kind of wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife."
-- Author Unknown
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