Spring is right around the corner, and surely many of you lovebirds are preparing for the big day!
Even though wedding planning may be stressful, why not eliminate excess stress on the environment by designing an eco-friendly ceremony and reception?
In the event of global climate change, making “green” and sustainable choices helps our environmental crisis tremendously.
Consumer decisions that lessen the amount of carbon emissions promote sustainable practices, support local businesses, foster community and worldwide health and longevity.
Below are some easy-to-follow suggestions that you can use as a reference when planning your eco-special wedding.
• For starters, the simplest way to make greener decisions is to utilize local eco-friendly wedding vendors. Look into organic caterers that use locally produced food sources, many of which tailor to the delectable, vegetarian palate.
The Finger Lakes region is acclaimed wine country; therefore, take advantage of local landscapes by choosing wines and beers produced by many of the local wineries and breweries.
• When deciding on the perfect flower arrangement for bridal bouquets or center pieces for reception tables, choose seasonal flowers that are locally grown and arranged.
As a fun side activity, you may want to grow a small flower garden of your own that will give your wedding decor a personal touch.
Alternatives to floral centerpieces may be soy-based candles or responsibly harvested shells and rocks, which also create attractive focal points.
• Many of your guests may be traveling from out of town. Transportation results in the highest carbon emissions in the wedding planning industry. In order to reduce emissions, organize van or car pools to transport guests to and from the ceremony and reception.
For those who are destined for faraway honeymoon locations, request carbon emission offsets, purchased online, as wedding gift options. Carbon emission offsets contribute to efforts in sequestering carbon (visit www.carbonfund.com for more details).
• Have an outdoor wedding! Utilize the most natural lighting possible, while you and your guests embrace the natural landscape. When dusk falls, maintain the mood with a candle lit dinner that continues to reduce the amount of electricity.
• For invitations and thank you notes, choose recycled paper options for invitations and thank you letters.
Better yet, send invites and updates electronically in order to reduce the amount of paper use, toxic chemicals, transportation emissions and mailing costs that ultimately saves you money while protecting the environment.
Green weddings serve as the next step to becoming environmentally conscious. Not only are you able to sustain local environments and economies, you are also perpetuating your values and love for the natural world. By adding one of the above suggestions to your wedding plans, you will be making your family's world a better place!
Sara Richards is an AmeriCorps Environmental Education Assistant at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.
In the event of global climate change, making “green” and sustainable choices helps our environmental crisis tremendously.
Consumer decisions that lessen the amount of carbon emissions promote sustainable practices, support local businesses, foster community and worldwide health and longevity.
Below are some easy-to-follow suggestions that you can use as a reference when planning your eco-special wedding.
• For starters, the simplest way to make greener decisions is to utilize local eco-friendly wedding vendors. Look into organic caterers that use locally produced food sources, many of which tailor to the delectable, vegetarian palate.
The Finger Lakes region is acclaimed wine country; therefore, take advantage of local landscapes by choosing wines and beers produced by many of the local wineries and breweries.
• When deciding on the perfect flower arrangement for bridal bouquets or center pieces for reception tables, choose seasonal flowers that are locally grown and arranged.
As a fun side activity, you may want to grow a small flower garden of your own that will give your wedding decor a personal touch.
Alternatives to floral centerpieces may be soy-based candles or responsibly harvested shells and rocks, which also create attractive focal points.
• Many of your guests may be traveling from out of town. Transportation results in the highest carbon emissions in the wedding planning industry. In order to reduce emissions, organize van or car pools to transport guests to and from the ceremony and reception.
For those who are destined for faraway honeymoon locations, request carbon emission offsets, purchased online, as wedding gift options. Carbon emission offsets contribute to efforts in sequestering carbon (visit www.carbonfund.com for more details).
• Have an outdoor wedding! Utilize the most natural lighting possible, while you and your guests embrace the natural landscape. When dusk falls, maintain the mood with a candle lit dinner that continues to reduce the amount of electricity.
• For invitations and thank you notes, choose recycled paper options for invitations and thank you letters.
Better yet, send invites and updates electronically in order to reduce the amount of paper use, toxic chemicals, transportation emissions and mailing costs that ultimately saves you money while protecting the environment.
Green weddings serve as the next step to becoming environmentally conscious. Not only are you able to sustain local environments and economies, you are also perpetuating your values and love for the natural world. By adding one of the above suggestions to your wedding plans, you will be making your family's world a better place!
Sara Richards is an AmeriCorps Environmental Education Assistant at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.
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