You and your beloved have decided to say “I do” while treading lightly on Mother Earth.
What a wonderful way to celebrate your commitment to each other and the environment.
Considering the ecological footprint of your nuptials is the first step in creating a sustainable life with your partner.
Narrow down the guest list
The first step to reducing all this wedding waste?
The bigger your guest list, the bigger the carbon footprint of your event.
That way, everyone can enjoy themselves together without ever boarding a plane a truly eco-friendly feat.
However, in recent years, the world of digital invitations has exploded (viaRefinery29).
Paperless invites cost less, use fewer resources, and are by far, the most sustainable choice.
Paperless wedding invitations are also easier and more convenient for both your and your guests.
Two of the most popular materials in wedding bands, gold and diamonds, both present sustainability concerns.
Likewise, theInternational Gem Societyreports that 160 kg of greenhouse gasses are released for every carat of mined diamonds.
Clearly, neither of these materials support your Earth-loving intentions.
Choose reusables
In the world of sustainable weddings, less is generally more.
Luxuriate in all the pomp and circumstance of a traditional wedding using more alternative materials.
Want an ultra-fancy veil?
Why not rent one?
It just means using what is already in the world.
The most sustainable purchase is something that already exists" (viaChristian Science Monitor).
Sustainability is more than saying yes to the (slightly worn) dress.
That’s what Lena Kazer and her future husband decided to do.
Kazer didn’t stop there.
“We’re buying almost all decorations at thrift stores,” she said.
The biggest beef is with beef itself.
Avoid those expenditures by hosting a plant-based feast.
Your guests can dine on mushroom Wellington or balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts (viaWeddingomania).
Vegan eating is, after all, good eating with a substantially smaller footprint.
As with any party, those lower-impact leftovers can be taken home or donated (viaZero Waste).
Any waste generated on the day of the wedding can also be composted.
Just confirm with your location that your wedding waste will become food for more food.
If that’s not true love, what is?
