Something Recycled, Something Clean, Something Sustainable, Something Green

Everything we do impacts the world around us. With increased awareness of the effect our actions have on our environment and our energy costs, a challenge falls to the Certified Wedding Planner to be prepared to utilize methods and resources that reduce the carbon footprint of wedding planning.

Green wedding themes are not new, but with the verdict now officially in on humankind’s effect on climate change, Earth-friendly wedding themes are increasingly found in books, contests, the Internet, celebrity weddings, and bridal shows. Today’s eco-friendly brides and grooms are demanding solutions that offset the negative environmental impact associated with their celebrations.

As with any theme or location, begin by researching vendors and venues in your area that offer renewable, sustainable, and clean products and services. Co-op America offers a directory of screened and approved green businesses. Many of these companies hold eco-credentials awarded by organizations such as Quality Assurance International for certified organic food systems, the USDA National Organic Program for production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products, Carbon Neutral Clothing for garment producers offsetting their carbon footprint, and TransFair USA for businesses that deal in fair trade.

Anticipation – Recycled, tree-free, handcrafted, natural, plantable, and organic wedding stationery solutions are available from businesses such as Twisted Limb Paperworks, Festivale, The Green Kangaroo, The Earth Handmade Paper, and the Green Field Paper Company. Many millennial generation couples are taking their wedding announcements and invitations digital on Facebook and other social networking sites, as well as via email, PowerPoint presentations, DVDs, and YouTube videos.

Gift registries such as Changing the Present and Register Locally provide options for wedding guests to make donations or send gifts to benefit environmental causes and gift purchases that are Earth-friendly.

Wedding attire can be rented, vintage and recycled, organic, and/or fairly traded. For post-wedding, pro-planet options, Brides Against Breast Cancer and the I Do Foundation turn wedding day clothing into charitable donations.

Engagement and wedding ring choices impact people as well as the environment. “Dirty Gold” mining displaces communities, contaminates drinking water, hurts workers, and destroys pristine environments. “Conflict Diamonds” are used by illegal governments and factions to fund military actions against people and legitimate governments. Jewelers like Green Karat, Brilliant Earth, Sumiche Jewelry, and Leber Jeweler offer recycled or reused precious metals and conflict-free gemstones.

The Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices and its members promote responsible, transparent, and accountable business practices in the mining, manufacturing, and selling of gold and diamond jewelry. Touch Wood Rings provides an alternative to traditional jewelry with handcrafted wooden eco-rings.

Arrival – Green transportation is sustainable, using human or animal power and renewable energy. Transport options for the bride and groom include horse-drawn carriages, Segways or other light electric vehicles, public transportation, or hybrid cars or limousines. Encourage carpooling for your guests.

As an alternative to disposable or film cameras, have your guests bring or rent digital cameras and share the photos on sites like Flickr, Shutterfly, SnapFish, or Photobucket. The guestbook should be made of recycled or organic material. Pictures can be displayed beautifully and eco-friendly using reclaimed wood picture frames from Green House Framing.

Atmosphere – The Sierra Club recommends outdoor venues, such as a National Park, for their natural beauty and earth-friendly atmosphere. Other outdoor choices include beaches, mountain settings, botanical gardens, and woodland glades. For indoor venues, choose a site that allows for ample natural lighting and temperature. Where possible, identify locations that are certified by Green Seal, are members of the Green Hotels Association, or are rated well by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Regardless of the location, choosing a venue close to home and holding the reception and ceremony in the same place greatly reduces the energy consumption of the day. In some cases, such as the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii, complete socially responsible wedding packages are available.

Floral decorations should be organic and local to avoid the pesticide and transportation energy concerns associated with purchasing and shipping flowers from abroad. VeriFlora certifies farmers, distributors, wholesalers, and florists that are committed to rigorous environmental accountability. The Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association is a global, non-chemical agricultural movement that certifies farmers, gardeners, and foresters through Demeter, an independent, non-profit organization.

Appetite – Choose a menu consisting of fresh, locally produced, organic, and sustainably harvested food to reduce costs and travel distances. Local Harvest, an organic and local food website, maintains a nationwide directory of small farms, farmers’ markets, and other local food sources. Some caterers, such as Back to Earth Organic Caterers, operate with a philosophy of “conscious food that is good for our bodies, our communities, and our planet”.

For clients compassionate to the plight of animals, Vegetarian Wedding offers vegan menu ideas and suggestions as well as links to vegetarian associations. Organic wedding cakes, made with unrefined sweeteners and organically grown ingredients, and vegetarian cakes are alternatives to the traditional choices.

If washable utensils and dishware is not an option, and to avoid using disposable plastic cutlery, dishware, or glasses, Earthware Biodegradables, World Centric, Excellent Packaging & Supply, and Simply Biodegradable manufacture bio-based, durable, compostable cutlery and dishware. The Green Glass Company produces reclaimed and recycled glass products to fit any wedding needs.

Although careful planning should avoid over catering, leftovers can be donated to organizations such as Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest).

Amusement – For green wedding entertainment, MyDeeJay.com boasts the country’s first 100% carbon-neutral wedding disk jockey with its purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates and Carbon Offsets matching their annual carbon footprint. If using an mp3 player, consider using a solar charger. For live music, locate musicians who adhere to eco-friendly practices for their energy and transportation needs.

Appreciation – In addition to charitable favor cards, Earth-friendly favors and bridal tosses can be purchased from Once Upon a Favor, EcoParti, and numerous other favor vendors. For thank you cards and gifts, recycled paper products are readily available.

Honeymoon plans can be made with agencies and organizations that specialize in eco-travel and eco-tourism such as Green Concierge Travel, Send Us Off, the International Ecotourism Society, Responsible Travel, Planeta, and National Geographic. Eco Travel is an online magazine that maintains a searchable directory of travel organizations which includes information about their eco-philosophy and practices. Organic Places to Stay is an online directory of worldwide organic holidays.

After the wedding, the newlyweds can learn more about how to lead an enlightened, Earth-friendly life together from sources like Earth Easy, Gaiam, and Branch, which provide ideas and products for environmentally sustainable living.

For the CWP seeking to become a green wedding planner, The Green Office provides the equipment and Ceres, a coalition of investors and environmentalists, provides the knowledge you need to turn your business green.