Monday, September 2, 2013

Go Green for Your Wedding



Now, being born and raised in Michigan, when someone says "Go Green" two things come to mind. The first being Michigan State and the second being eco-friendly living. And if you are a Michigan State Grad you already know that these two go hand in hand. Michigan state has implemented a campus wide sustainability campaign that helps them to reduce their carbon footprint and also helps to replenish the natural environment around them. Did you know that you too can reduce the carbon footprint you leave when planning for your wedding? You can, and it's easier than you think!

Invitations: 
- Use paper made of post-consumer, recycled ingredients
- Ask your printer about plant based or soy inks.
- Ditch excess interior envelopes and use a response postcard instead.

Linens: 
- Use re-usable linen tablecloths and napkins instead of paper ones
- Consider linens made from natural fibers such as hemp or cotton

Decor: 
- Create your centerpieces from edible items such as apples, pumpkins or nuts
- Use stones to write names on for place cards instead of paper cards
- Use live plants as centerpieces that can be planted in the earth after the event.
- Choose a florist that offers organic flowers
- Use decoration rentals for your event instead of buying new
- Request LED lighting from vendors
- Re-use old soup cans as vases or candle holders
- Use clean burning candles such as soy or honeycomb
- Donate your flowers and centerpieces to a hospital or convalescent home after the event. 

Catering/Food: 
- Use re-usable flatware and drinkware
- Buy local food and drinks to serve
- Consider using organic food to serve your guests
- Recycle all glass bottles from wine and drinks
- Ditch the bottled water and serve water from a pitcher instead

Favors: 
- Offer your guests re-usable grocery bags as a party favor from Beau-coup (as seen in photos)
- Made a donation to a sustainability group
- Use edible favors

Photography:
- Ask for digital proofing to cut back on paper use
- Display your photos in a recycled, eco friendly album

Transportation: 
- Arrange for a shuttle service from the hotel to your event for your guests
- Plan your event at a resort or hotel
- Rent a hybrid vehicle to go home in
- Hold your event and reception at the same place

Venue: 
- Consider hosting your event at an outdoor location which would use less electricity
- Get married in a barn or on a beach and use the natural beauty as your backdrop
- Find an eco-conscious venue that provides energy saving utilities and practices


Have any other great ideas for keeping your event green? Let us know in the comments!


~The Burlap Runner~


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for sharing with us!