Going Green
Going Green
So you want to save some green by going green? By going green we are not necessarily referring to money, but that can play an integral part. A green wedding is any wedding where the couple tries to decrease the impact of their event on the planet -and there are many ways to do it without sacrificing style or elegance! Green weddings are eco-chic, which means they are every bit as gorgeous as conventional weddings, but without the waste. And, amazingly enough, going green can save you money. Whether you incorporate just one or two earth-friendly elements, or go completely organic from the silk of your dress to the food you serve, remember that every green choice makes a difference.
Did You Know? 2.3 million is the number of couples that get married in the U.S. each year. That breaks down to more than 6,300 weddings a day. $28,000 is the average budget of a wedding in the U.S. 80 percent is the percentage of gold minded each year that goes into jewelry, out of 2500 tons. 50 years is the length of time the current amount of already-mined gold could satisfy demand; much of it currently sits in bank vaults and in old, unused jewelry.
Going green on your wedding day has environmental, social, and economic benefits.
1. The environmental benefits:
Each one of the 2.3 million weddings this year in the United States will produce an average of 62 tons of carbon dioxide and 400-600 lbs of garbage. That’s a lot of waste! Consider all of the stuff that goes into conventional weddings: single-use bleached white dresses, chemically treated imported flowers, toxic makeup and skin care products, mined gem-based jewelry, to name a few. It adds up quickly! Picture this: if every wedding this year used a disposable aisle runner and they were laid end to end,they would circle the globe twice. Similarly, the amount of paper used for invitations could cover the entire island of Manhattan. If every engaged couple made just one small green choice, which would be 2.3 million greener choices a year and that is an amazing impact.
2. The social benefits:
Weddings are a $60+ billion industry. Having a green wedding is an opportunity to make a difference by supporting companies that actively in corporate social and environmental responsibility into the way they do business. When you start talking to vendors about green choices, and explain your choices to your guests, you support the green economy and change the way people in your community think. You can showcase how easy it is to be eco-chic and share your favorite eco-friendly products with your guests.
3. The economic benefits:
Being green usually saves you money, and in today’s economy this is probably reason enough to do it! By making simple substitutions and eco-conscious decisions, like choosing a location central to the majority of your guests, you can easily decrease your impact on the planet and the cost of your event simultaneously. This is your day to show the ones you love your passion for the environment.
There are many great reasons going green for your wedding is a great idea! Experiment with a few and you can always mix and match to tailor it to your day!
