How would you rate your “green IQ”? Do you conserve electricity by turning the lights off each time you leave a room? Do you have a recycle bin in your kitchen? How about driving a hybrid car? Almost all of us try – in big and small ways – to do our part to make the earth a bit greener.
But consider this Washington state couple. Pete Geyer and Andrea Parrish raised the funds needed for their July 31st wedding by collecting and recycling over 400,000 aluminum cans. Well, they actually collected just over 280,000 cans with the balance received in donations from United Recycling Services, Alcoa Aluminum, and citizens around the world. All said and done, Pete and Andrea collected 5 tons of aluminum worth about $3,800!
At just under $4000, their wedding budget was modest, to say the least. But this environmentally conscious couple had a real interest in protecting our earth and in starting their new life together without the burden of paying off an expensive and elaborate wedding. So, by collecting cans and planning a backyard potluck reception with lots of DIY elements, they achieved their goal and are joyfully anticipating the day they say “I Do.”
Now that this creative couple has officially “crushed” their goal (40 days early, no less) you’d think they’d never want to see another aluminum can as long as they both shall live! Quite the contrary, Pete and Andrea continue to collect, and donations continue to pour in. Going forward, 40% of monies raised will help fund their (as yet unplanned) honeymoon. The remaining 60% will be divided between two of their favorite charities: Doctors Without Borders and the Rim Country Land Institute. Their story has inspired brides and others around the globe to discover how they can use funds from recycling to reach their own goals. You can share your comments with Andrea and Pete and learn more about their heartwarming story by visiting their website: Wedding Cans.
All photos courtesy of the Wedding Cans website.
Details…details! Today’s brides know it’s all the little things that make your wedding a memorable one. So if you want to add a unique twist to your bridal style, and do it with an eco-conscious focus, check out these beautiful wedding accessories. Each of the items below was created with environmentally sensitive materials – handmade by artists who care about protecting our earth.
Want to make a simple but classic wedding dress unforgettable? Add a one-of-a-kind custom made belt like the ones shown above. Kacey Higley at Twisted Crystals (featured on Etsy) creates custom made wedding dress accessories refashioned from vintage Swarovski crystals, vintage ribbon loops and feathers (left and top right). The Enchanted Forest Bloom (bottom right) from Etsy retailer Cultivar, was made from recycled fabric and a reclaimed vintage broach. It would look stunning worn either as a hair clip or sash pin as shown.
Bridal jewelry has to strike just the right balance between making a statement and yet not being overpowering. These eco-friendly pieces do just that. The Rose Garden Necklace and Pink Bow bracelet from Cultivar are made using reclaimed fabric and beads.
Dress up your favorite pair of heels for your wedding day with these fun shoe clips. These unique and funky accessories (above and below) were handmade by Etsy retailer b.Poetic. Specializing in fabric floral accessories, these items are hand-cut and constructed using reclaimed vintage materials.
Last, but not least, this beautiful hair clip (below) from Cultivar adds sophistication and style for any bride. Wear it with confidence knowing you’re supporting a retailer who cares about her customers and our environment.
So when you are completing your wedding day look with something old and something new, why not add something green? You’ll be glad you did!
Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. But did you ever consider that many of the products designed to give you that natural glow aren’t so natural after all? Some of the world’s favorite beauty products are made with harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can be damaging to your skin, as well as to our environment. Fortunately, many companies are now featuring eco-friendly make-up and skin care lines. But buyer beware, because although the beauty and makeup industry falls under the supervision of the food and drug administration, it is largely self-regulated. And it’s not always easy to navigate the world of “all-natural” beauty products.
photo credit:coloradowedding.com
Did you know that up to 60% of everything that is applied directly to your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream? We don’t yet know the long-term effects of exposure to chemicals commonly found in commercial beauty products such as formaldehyde, parabens, mercury, and phalates. Am I suggesting you throw out your whole makeup drawer and buy all new products? Of course, not. But some brides have chosen to err on the side of caution and seek out organic and eco-friendly makeup lines when shopping for their wedding day makeup. In the multi-billion dollar business of skincare and makeup products, navigating the world of all natural beauty products can be a challenge. That’s because unlike organic foods, beauty products can be organic but not eco-friendly. And those popular “mineral” based lines? They’re not necessarily your safest choice either. Confused? Below are a few helpful hints and terms to consider when shopping for eco-friendly makeup. Because there’s nothing more beautiful than a bride who feels good in her own skin!
photo credit: keetsa.com and factoidz.com
Organic implies the product is made with some certified organic ingredients. This does not mean it is chemical free.
Natural implies that ingredients are extracted directly from plant or animal products; however, they may have been synthetically derived from these sources.
Hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, allergy tested, or nonirritating implies that the product is less likely to cause allergic reactions than a product that is not designated as such.
Fragrance free suggests a product has no perceptible odor, although synthetic fragrance ingredients may have been added to mask an offensive odor originating from the raw materials.
No synthetic (or artificial) fragrance means that there is no synthetic fragrance ingredients in the product.
Alcohol free generally means that the cosmetic product does not contain ethyl alcohol (or grain alcohol), although it may contain other alcohols, such as cetyl, stearyl, or cetearyl.
Cruelty free implies that the product has not been tested on animals by the manufacturer, although it doesn’t guarantee that ingredients sourced to make the product weren’t tested on animals.
Some of our favorite eco-friendly beauty lines include:
Aveda: This manufacturer of all natural beauty and skincare products has been around and featured in salons since 1978. One of the first companies in the industry to adopt an eco-friendly approach, Aveda offers botannically based all natural products that strive to be beneficial for consumers as well as our planet.
Josie Maran: Former model turned entrepreneur, Josie Maran was inspired by the all-natural southern California look of her youth. Maran has a passion for both luxury and social responsibility, and her line of high-end cosmetics delivers. Her makeup and skincare products feature a simple labeling system that provides clear information about ingredients, and she avoids using toxic ingredients such as parabens and petrochemicals. Josie Maran Cosmetics is also aligned with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition of women’s, consumer rights and environmental health organizations.
Organic wear by Physicians Formula: Physicians Formula is a commonly recognized name in the cosmetics world and can be found at most neighborhood drug stores. Did you know they also market a line of high quality organic products? The Organic wear products feature 100% certified organic ingredients and promise to be free of harsh chemicals, parabens, synthetic preservatives and fragrances, and animal cruelty. Their eco-friendly packaging features a compact which reduces the use of plastic by 93% as compared to traditional methods.
These are just a sampling of the eco-friendly lines that are on the market today. Visit their websites for makeup inspiration and tips. Have fun creating your wedding day look, and know that both you and the environment can shine on your wedding day!
frontpage photo credit: districtweddings.com
Did you know that planting just one tree can help filter pollution from the air we breathe, recycle water, prevent soil loss, create shade, provide food to eat and homes for animals? Planting 100 million trees could reduce the amount of carbon in our atmosphere by 18 million tons per year, and at the same time, save consumers $4 billion each year on utility bills.
Today people all across the world will be celebrating Arbor Day by planting trees. As you and your fiancé exchange vows and “put down roots,” why not help your guests do the same by encouraging them to plant a tree? Consider giving a seed package as a wedding favor or a larger gift tree as a bridesmaid or attendant gift and help to make our world a little greener.
There are several online sites that offer seedling wedding favors. One of our favorites is Seeds of Life. They specialize in creating custom seed favor boxes – you chose the color, style and personalized gift tag to match your wedding design. Their knowledgeable staff will make sure that the tree you choose is suitable for growing in your region. All favors include detailed care instructions, and are guaranteed to grow and sprout into seedlings.
So whether you and your fiance have a green thumb or are “going green” by planning an eco-frienldy wedding, keep in mind the gift of trees – it’s one that will honor loved ones today and reward generations in the future.