- tip of the day
- So you got engaged on Valentine's Day: think an eco-wedding means exchanging vows in burlap and then singing folk songs around a campfire?
- the bite
- No way - you should do it up however you want. Just use your wedding as an opportunity to support local businesses, give to your favorite organizations, and to utilize recycled and recyclable goods - from dresses to diamonds.
- the benefits
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- Extend your happiness to others. Even the most traditional wedding brings opportunities for reuse/recycling. Arrange for reception leftovers to go to food banks and flowers to be dropped off at hospitals or rest homes.
- Be good to your inlaws. Though it is a myth that uncooked rice damages birds, these little pebbles present a serious slipping hazard. Tossing bird feed is an equally fun and safter substitute for rice.
- Close to 40% of the waste in US landfills is paper. Try invitations printed on recycled or bamboo paper and send your "Save the Dates" electronically.
- Consider recycled gold and cruelty-free diamonds. Ecologically-friendly, socially-responsible, and recycled jewelry positively impact the environment, the economy, and the health of miners.
- personally speaking
- While Jen is going to get married on horseback, Heather is running off to Vegas when the time comes. (Our mothers are composing concerned emails while you read this.)
- wanna try?
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- Organic Weddings - help with planning all aspects of an ecologically-conscious wedding.
- Brides Against Breast Cancer - the charity sells once-worn gowns and uses the proceeds to grant wishes to breast cancer patients nationwide.
- The Glass Slipper Project - get the bridesmaids in on the action by donating to a program that distributes formal dresses to high-school students unable to afford prom attire.
- I Do Foundation - create a wedding registry with partner stores and up to 8% of gift purchases will be donated to your favorite charity.
- greenKarat - one of the largest online retailers of environmentally and socially conscious jewelry.
