Greener Weddings Simplified Presented by
Living Eco-Wise, LLC 6/13/2009 Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs, CA
Why green weddings?
•
Research by the Live Green, Live Smart Institute ® shows a traditional North American wedding will generate an average of 50 to 200 tons of CO2 per event, depending on the size of the event.
•
That is an amount of CO2 equal to what is produced over 2 years to 9 years by a family of 4.
•
The average wedding will waste up to 38% of the food and beverages served and send to a landfill up to one-third metric tons of solid waste.
•
Couples that start their relationship with low-impact, green weddings are making a social and moral commitment to stay green for the long-term. ” People in the wedding business say the eco-friendly or “green” wedding has arrived” NY Times, 2/11/2007, How Green Was My Wedding
Who is this “green” market?
and… Why do they matter?
They’re diverse
They’re loyal, and they will promote you!!
Greening the Event
INVITES •
An announcement or invitation can set the tone for the environmentally friendly wedding.
•
Options include 100% recycled, partially recycled, or completely tree-free papers from wedding invitation suppliers. You can even make your own paper.
•
Many brides today are communicating electronically and creating a unique personal wedding. Make a website(wix.com) or use Evite.
FLOWERS & DECOR • Flowers – use organic and locally available flowers. Try recycling the bridesmaids’ flowers into center pieces. • Use alternatives to floral centerpieces according to a theme.
WEDDING MENU -FOOD… Serve organic food •
In its simplest definition, organic food is prepared without the use of environmentally harmful pesticides and chemical additives. •
•
•
Free range meat and chicken, prepared without chemical growth hormones, are also a staple of the organic menu.
Find a caterer or restaurant that prepares organic food in an ecological manner and has leftovers taken to be composted. Find local vendors, check Farmer’s Markets and community gardens
..AND DRINK • Recycle the bar empties • Empty glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans can quickly pile up during larger receptions. • Do an organic wine bar. Consider hiring a sommelier who can educate your guests on organic wines from various regions.
ATTIRE
• • • • •
• BRIDES and Bridesmaids Repurposed prom dresses Rental Pre-owned Vintage Theme
ATTIRE GROOMS
• • • •
Rental Vintage Theme Non-tux options
GIFTING • donations to a cause • Sustainability gift registries
• • • • •
FAVORS Things That Grow . Wildflower seed packets Flower bulbs Tree seedlings Potted plants/flowers Lucky bamboo
VENUES/THEMES
VENUES • ACE • Desert Adventures • RimRock Ranch Cabins • Rosa Muerta • Joshua Tree • Integratron
WITH THIS RING… • Recycle gold and/or diamonds into new rings • Buy from a local artisan • Choose semi-precious stones or no stones
Guest Greening ENCOURAGE GUESTS TO:
• Bring their own toiletries or soap from home. • Purchase carbon offsets for travel. • Confirm guest attendance to cut down on wasted food.
•Use the recycling containers at the reception •Donate unused amenities if possible.
Stories
• Etsy.com Etsy :: The Storque :: This Handmade Life :: F
• {Eco-Chic Weddings} by Emily Anderson
• How Green Was My Wedding - New York Tim
WRAP IT UP Connect locally • Sustainability partners Green Event/Wedding Planners Eco-consultants Green Networking Groups Composting Organic and eco-conscious caterers Venues/Hotels