Just because a wedding tradition is time-honored doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly. Some of these well-established wedding customs that we have come to know have a negative effect on Mother Nature.
To avoid these five wasteful and harmful wedding rituals, turn to environmentally friendly alternatives that will help you celebrate your nuptials in sustainable style.
Popping the Question with a Diamond Ring
Diamond-fueled wars in Africa have killed more than 4 million people, according to Amnesty International. The United Nations reports that $23 million in blood diamonds that are mined in war zones have been smuggled into the international markets.
If you have your heart set on a diamond ring, purchase a pre-owned ring from a vintage dealer instead, or use a family heirloom that has been passed down through the generations. If you don’t like the setting, you can always have a jeweler incorporate the stone(s) into a new ring. Additionally, choose simple wedding bands that don’t have diamonds or may have natural materials like wood to reduce your overall impact.
Tossing Rice or Confetti
After you say “I do,” there’s the age-old tradition of tossing rice or confetti in celebration. Avoid throwing these items, as they have negative effects on the environment. For instance, birds can die from digesting uncooked rice, and paper and plastic confetti litters the ground.
Opt for something more eco-friendly for the send-off, like blowing bubbles, tossing flower petals or leaf “confetti,” lighting sparklers or shaking ribbon wands.
Releasing Balloons or Lanterns
Releasing balloons and lanterns is dangerous to birds and other animals that might try to consume them or get tangled in them. Sky lanterns also have the potential of starting fires.
If you are set on paper lanterns, incorporate them in other ways. Light pathways with hurricane lamps or hang paper lanterns from trees or a tent. You can also illuminate a water feature with floating candles. If you want to light up the sky, opt for a celebratory fireworks display or a sparkler send-off.
Printing Cards and Shipping Gifts
Mailing out a hundred or so wedding announcements, save the dates and invitations not only is harmful to the environment because of deforestation, but also because of shipping and mailing. Sending that many wedding invites through the postal service contributes to greenhouse gases, polluting our atmosphere.
Cutting back on printing and shipping is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Instead of paper invites, consider electronic invitations instead. Websites like Evite, Greenvelope, Punchbowl and Paperless Post even have invitation templates for engagement celebrations, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, bachelorette and bachelor parties, along with farewell brunches.
If you are registering for presents through a website, make a special request that friends and family avoid shipping their gifts to your home and instead bring them to the wedding reception.
Decorating with Cut Flowers
A majority of cut flowers in the United States are imported from South American countries or Amsterdam. Due to the greenhouse gases produced from flying flowers in from overseas and the energy used to keep them fresh in coolers, they have a hugely negative impact on the environment.
Go local instead and pick your own wildflowers, or use a florist who specializes in local, seasonal blooms. Or, instead of floral arrangements, decorate your tables with potted flowers and herbs. You can also eschew plants altogether and consider another centerpiece, like hurricane vases and candles or recyclable paper garlands.
Celebrate your love for each other—and the Earth—by intentionally choosing your wedding décor and activities. Even swapping just a few traditions for greener ones can help make your wedding much more sustainable.
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