When my fiancée and I got engaged, we wanted to celebrate our love surrounded by family and friends. Being a climate journalist and a sustainability-focused scientist, it was crucial for us to plan an eco-friendly wedding. We didn’t want our special day to harm the environment.
Planning a wedding can be exciting. But, it can also become overwhelming. With social media showing extravagant setups and rising expectations from family, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The average wedding in the U.S. generates about 56 tons of carbon emissions. That’s way more than what a person produces in a year!
Meals and single-use plastics add to the waste, contributing potentially 400 pounds of trash. That’s a lot, right? Kiira Portet, a Seattle wedding planner, realized this after working in the luxury sector. “I was shocked by the waste, like little bottles of bubbles. Weddings should be about love, not trash,” she says.
Experts like Portet agree that it’s entirely possible to throw a wedding that celebrates love while being kind to the planet. Kaitlyn Holeman, a photographer and member of the eco-focused vendor group Emerald Hour, suggests couples take a moment to reflect on their values before diving into planning. “Slow down,” she advises. It’s essential to think about what truly reflects your relationship rather than getting lost in trends.
So, how can you cut waste and emissions? Here are a few practical tips:
1. Trim the Guest List
The easiest way to lower your wedding’s impact is to keep the guest list small. Fewer attendees mean fewer meals and less travel. Plus, having a cozy gathering allows for meaningful connections with those who matter most.
2. Choose a Local Venue
Select a location where most guests can drive rather than fly. Reducing air travel decreases your wedding’s carbon footprint significantly. Opt for local vendors who won’t need to travel far. Portet chose not to take international jobs to focus on reducing her emissions.
3. Rethink Your Menu
Food matters! Offering meat alternatives can significantly cut down on emissions. A fully vegan buffet can be just as delicious and usually cheaper. Plus, ask your caterers about composting leftover food to avoid waste. Food waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
4. Go Green with Your Venue
Find venues that use renewable energy, like solar power. Supporting eco-friendly establishments shows there’s a demand for sustainable practices in the wedding industry.
5. Rent or Thrift
Instead of buying new decor, think about rentals or thrift options. Rentals can offer higher quality and minimize waste. My fiancée and I snagged our wedding dresses for just $92.50 at a thrift store! It’s all about creativity.
6. Start the Conversation
Finally, talk about your eco-friendly choices. Share your journey with guests and vendors. You might inspire others to consider their environmental impact too. Making small changes can create a ripple effect.
Planning a sustainable wedding may seem daunting, but remember: it’s about making conscious choices. Every little effort counts toward a greener planet. Share your climate commitments and enjoy the beauty of celebrating love in a thoughtful way.
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sam harrington
