10 Easy Solutions for your Green Wedding
A Guide to the Sustainable Wedding Industry.
Whether you want to believe it or not, climate change is here and our planet is in an ecological crisis that we all must work together to fix. Since the dawn of time, people have relied on our environment to survive. Everything we achieve is only possible because nature provides for us.
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have honored and protected this relationship with nature. However, rapid industrialization and ignorance of the consequences of mass production and consumerism have brought us to where we are today.
So, Why Go Green?
Everyone holds some of the blame when it comes to climate change, including the wedding industry. Irresponsible behaviors and practices commonly found across the wedding industry cause significant damage to our climate. Billions of pounds of waste are produced by the millions of weddings that we see each year.
Just imagine what kind of damage that is doing to our planet…
Your Wedding Could Produce Tons of Waste.
When it comes to waste, weddings take the cake. Nearly every wedding utilizes single-use products that end up in landfills weeks after the ceremony. From dresses, flowers, and invitations to food, decor, and favors, weddings accumulate an ocean of waste by the time the venue doors close.
Traditional Weddings Have High Carbon Footprints
In addition to waste, weddings also contribute to climate change by increasing our carbon footprint. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the infamous greenhouse gasses that are responsible for warming temperatures and climate change. Our carbon footprint increases in many ways, but when it comes to the wedding industry, transportation is enemy number one and the largest contributor of CO2 into our atmosphere.
According to Stanford Magazine, “airplane travel usually accounts for the majority of a wedding’s carbon footprint.” On average, a wedding produces about 56 tons of carbon, 43 of which can be attributed to travel alone!
What Can You Do About It?
It’s very easy to fall into the doom and gloom of things after learning how damaging a wedding can be to our environment. We want to make sure this doesn’t happen to you. There is hope found in a growing movement across the wedding industry that wishes to change direction and support true sustainability.
Use an Outdoor Venue
Outdoor venues are perfect for sustainable brides that want to walk down the aisle in nature and style. Choosing an outdoor wedding venue will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also support a business whose values align with your own.
Use local vendors
Remember how the largest contributor to your wedding’s carbon footprint is transportation? Well, an easy way to reduce this is to shop locally. Using local vendors reduces travel time and could even save you money in the long run.
E-invites are Key
Listen, the world has changed. Everything we do is online, so why not save some money and time by using electronic invitations? As an added bonus, utilizing electronic invitations also reduces your carbon footprint!
Use an online design tool, such as Canva, to create your very own design. Then all you have to do is send them out! (it can also make it easier for your guests to RSVP on time.)
Composting
Talk to your venue and vendors about the possibility of composting the organic waste collected after the event. Composting is an easy solution that gives back. In a couple of months, your delicious meal will be transformed into fertile soil perfect for the garden.
5. Donate Your Leftovers
If the venue or vendors can’t compost leftovers you still have a few options. Start by asking them to donate the remaining food to local food banks.
6. Use Organic and Seasonal Food
Buy organic, seasonal food for your reception. Using organic, seasonal food reduces transportation costs and supports farmers that do not use pesticides in their produce.
7. Gifts that Give Back to the Environment.
Yes, even the favors are bad for the environment. Chances are your guests love this planet as much as you do. Why not give them a gift they will love for years to come?
Potted plants are the perfect wedding gift. They are environmentally friendly and your guests can even watch your love grow as their gift flourishes.
Or just skip them all together!
8. Reuse Bridal Bouquets for Reception Decor
Reuse your bridal bouquets or any decor throughout your celebration to maintain style on a budget. It will take a bit of coordination, but that is why you have a planner. Reusing decor reduces the amount of waste your wedding will produce.
9. Rent Your Dress
Every bride needs something borrowed, so why not make it your dress? Most wedding dresses are only worn once and then are put away forever. Renting your wedding dress not only saves you money but also reduces your carbon footprint.
If renting your dress is not an option, ask your bridal party if they would be interested. It will save your loved ones some much-needed cash.
10. Carpool to the Ceremony
Along with being the easiest way to make sure everyone arrives on time, carpooling is another easy way to reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding.
Every action you take in support of sustainability is worth it. Follow some or all of the easy solutions we proposed to make a difference at your wedding. If we all make the effort to care for this planet we call home, we can make a significant difference. What eco-friendly solutions are you planning to use? Let us know by commenting below.