It’s pretty amazing to realize what all goes into making a beautiful wedding day memorable; the décor, the food, the clothing, and more. Yet, with all involved, many do not consider how many resources are needlessly wasted during the process. The goal of many is to design a zero-waste wedding that guests will enjoy and remember.
With more people worldwide becoming aware of their responsibility to help create a greener environment by reducing their carbon footprint, more couples may find having an eco-friendly wedding to be more aligned with their lifestyle.
A recent article entitled The Guide to Sustainable, Zero-Waste, Ethical Weddings shared many practical ways to plan an environmentally responsible minimal waste wedding. Many of the suggestions offered are simple changes that make a big impact with little effort.
The report points out some surprising facts. One example that illustrates excessive waste stated that couples wasted £488 on food at the average British wedding. That is the equivalent of $667 in US currency per wedding. Additionally, the report stated that many guests don’t eat a full course meal during the reception, resulting in even more waste. These little things add up to tons of garbage.
So, what is a couple to do? Here are a few suggestions to plan an eco-friendly zero-waste wedding.
Zero-Waste Wedding Ideas
Select earth-friendly gifts as favors such as reusable totes and even seed packets.
Rent wedding attire so garments can be reused.
Use organic and low impact flowers in your décor or grow your own.
Use eco-friendly décor such as Beeswax candles.
Replace stationary with bamboo or recycled place card and stationery items.
Send paperless save the dates and wedding invitations to guests or use invitations printed on plantable seed infused paper stock.
Exchange balloons and papers confetti with biodegradable dried-out flower petals.
Enjoy nature with an outdoor wedding and take advantage of the sunlight instead of artificial lighting.
Add sustainable and organic foods to the menu sources by local growers
Refrain from using plastic products and use reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable cutlery.
When possible, donate unused fresh foods (uncooked foods) to local food banks or charities.
Instead of disposing unconsumed food, collect it and use it as compost.
