If you want to walk down the aisle without leaving an
ecological footprint, host a 100-mile wedding (where
everything is sourced from within 100 miles of the nuptuals).
Here, Ecoholic columnist and author Adria Vasil shares
a few ideas for tree-hugging couples who want to throw
an eco-chic wedding by celebrating their love for their
environment as well as for each other.
Start with your wedding gift registry
Register for energy-efficient
appliances, platters made of reclaimed wood,
organic towels, or items for growing your own vegetable
garden. You not only reduce waste but also avoid ending up
with three toasters and two coffee makers.
Use recycled paper for your invitations
Visit any papery
– you will discover beautiful wedding stationery made of
recycled paper.
Have your guests rsvp by email
This saves the
environmental cost of replying by mail plus the stamps.
Book a local venue
Search for a site that doesn’t require
you or your guests to travel long distances. There are plenty
of places right under your nose. Plan the ceremony close
to or in the same venue as your reception. Make sure your
vendors are local too, so that your three-piece band, for
instance, isn’t trekking from Montreal to Toronto.
Plan a 100-mile menu
Buy wine from a local winery,
ask your baker to incorporate organic ingredients into
your wedding cake, and ensure that the food you serve is
produced locally. For more tips, visit Adria at ecoholic.ca.
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Spring/Summer 2013.
