Switching to natural candles

Go green with natural candles.

Many candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum based product. Yes, paraffin comes from the same stuff that is currently dumping in the gulf of Mexico, Crude Oil. The USDA and EPA connect burning paraffin candles to carcinogens and increased risk of cancer, birth defects and asthma. Not only is it not healthy for the environment, it's not healthy for humans.

For your wedding and beyond, make the switch to natural and non-toxic candles. There are many products out there made from plants like soy or palm or even beeswax. Here are some candles made from beeswax from a company called Bluecorn Naturals. These candles come in both scented and unscented varieties.



Let your event designer know you want to use natural candles. I know I will be making the switch to natural and non-toxic votives, tea lights and tapers for all my Gorgeous and Green Events. Even the smallest touches can help the environment and keep our communities healthy.

G&G

Green Photographers for your Green Wedding

There are many ways to go green with your wedding, and choosing green vendors is one of them. I recently connected with Rebecca Wilkowski, a green photographer who is actively involved in green business practices and community.  I asked her to share some pics from a green wedding and some information about green photography with you.

How did you get started as a green photographer?

In 1997 I moved to California from the Midwest, and experienced a bit of culture shock. I was really intrigued by how important fitness and health was to so many people here. I quickly made friends with people who really placed an importance on healthy living, and living in harmony with their surroundings. In some respects, I had to un-learn a lot of what I was taught growing up. As I started to feel better in my body, I started being more conscientious of how I interacted with the environment around me. When I moved to San Francisco in 2004, I attended the San Francisco Green Festival. It was then that I realized that I could apply the principals of green living in my daily life, to those of my business. It took me about 2 years of research, and a lot of trial and error, in order to change my business to being more environmentally friendly. In 2007, I became a member of Green America’s Green Business Network, in 2008 a certified photographer of Greener Photography, and in 2010 a member of the Green Chamber of Commerce.

What makes you green?

There's many ways a photographer can lessen her/his footprint, but of the most common include: using rechargeable batteries, recycling, purchasing used equipment, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, partnering with local green vendors, eliminating waste by going paperless (i.e. my portfolio is online, my products samples are viewed as a PDF, I use email to communicate, I upload all my client’s images into online galleries rather than providing proof prints, etc), employing energy saving techniques, purchasing carbon offsets for travel to destination weddings, and investing in green technology.

Hiring a certified green photographer not only helps you plan a wedding you can feel good about, but also has other perks. Online galleries let you view and share your photos when and where it’s most convenient. Hand-crafted and archival albums help ensure your priceless memories are an heirloom to cherish for years to come. And, with the waste-reducing measures your photographer takes, you’ll end up reaping those benefits when she/he passes those savings onto you, keeping your photography from breaking the bank. Best of all, your photographer will be able to work with, and refer you to, other reputable, eco-friendly vendors, helping you to save time in planning your big day.

1) I am a Certified Greener Photographer (Leadership Circle level) and currently serve on the Board of Directors for Greener Photography. Greener Photography is non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the goal of seeking to mitigate the environmental impact of the photography industry by educating consumers, photographers, and manufacturers about the benefits of hiring a certified greener photographer and incorporating greener business practices. Greener Photography aims to be the single most up-to-date and reliable resource for eco-conscious photographers.

2) I am a member of Green America, as well as a member of the Green America Green Business Network. (I am 1 of only 10 photographers in the United States approved to currently have this designation). Open to members of Green America, the Green Business Network is a highly selected group of socially and environmentally conscious business leaders. As a member of Green America’s Green Business Network™, members conduct business according to standards that reach beyond contemporary practices in addressing the needs of consumers, employees, the community and the environment. They certify and can demonstrate that they strive to operate in a socially just and environmentally sustainable manner.

3) My company is an approved member of the Green Chamber of Commerce.
The Green Chamber of Commerce is a growing and diverse business network dedicated to:
• Promoting the success of its members,
• Supporting the development of sustainable business practices, and
• Advocating for a green public policy

4) My company is currently in the process of applying for approval as a Green Business by the Bay Area Green Business Program. The BAGBP distinguishes small businesses that protect, preserve and sustain our environment. Their partnership of environmental agencies and utilities assists, offers incentives, and verifies that participating businesses conserve energy and water, minimize waste, prevent pollution, and shrink their carbon footprints. Businesses that meet BAGBP standards are officially recognized as “Bay Area Green Businesses”.

5) Back in 2006, I modified my business practices to be more environmentally friendly. I’ve covered areas such as business practices, technology, office workflow, and client products & services. Simple tips I recommend for any photographer to become more green include: reducing/reusing/recycling, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, employing local vendors and staff, eliminating paper waste (go paperless!), using electronic media (email, FTP, websites, blogs, online galleries), employing energy saving techniques, using public transportation/carpooling, purchasing carbon offsets, and investing in green technology.

My company also offers a stylish line of eco-friendly products, including environmentally-friendly wedding albums, canvas wall prints, and DVD folios made from recycled materials. I make a conscious choice to work with, and purchase products from, other companies who are also Green Businesses or who offer eco-friendly products, whenever possible.

6) I have had the pleasure to work for, as well as photograph, many San Francisco Bay area green businesses and environmental organizations, including the Environmental Defense Fund, San Francisco Community Power, Pet Camp, Alonzo Printing, Veritable Vegetable, Lick-Wilmerding High School, Temple Emanu El.

How do you live green in other ways?

I actually went “green” at home first, and after I saw the benefits, I applied what I had learned to my business. In my personal life, I eat organic, in-season, free-range and locally farmed food; purchase eco-friendly clothing and furniture; reuse and recycle; compost food waste; carpool; patronize local small businesses; and try to limit my purchases to only those items I truly need. I also volunteer and donate to environmental non-profit organizations.

What's your greenest advice for the engaged couple planning a green wedding?

Find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible. Utilize the expertise of a green wedding and event coordinator. They will not only help you avoid the common pitfalls of wedding planning and save you lots of time, they’ll also be able to refer you to other eco-friendly vendors and provide you with lots of great ideas you might not have thought of. Talking to brides who have planned green weddings is another great way to get referrals. I also highly recommend the following websites: Greenerphotography.org, Greenamericatoday.org, Greenbrideguide.com

G&G

Backyard or Garden Weddings

For a backyard or garden wedding, the natural elements act as a lovely backdrop. The setting can not only be romantic, but also very green. You often need less decor to give the event style and color, and nature is right under your feet, so it's easier to pay attention to the effect your wedding has on it!

For an evening or night wedding reception, you'll probably need lighting, and I found some lovely eco-friendly lighting possibilities. They come from Allsop Home and Garden, a family business that is known for their solar technology and garden art. They have some really cool solar powered hand blown lanterns, both hanging and stakes, that would look great at an outdoor wedding venue.

Check out some of their designs:




G&G

Eco Bridal Jewelry Contest

Just a quick note, my friend Katherine Dalpra at Green Diva jewelry is giving away a $250 shopping spree for eco-conscious bridal jewelry. To enter the contest go here and answer a few quick questions about eco accessories. 2nd place winner gets a copy of The Green Bride Guide by Kate Harrison.

G&G

Vintage Dresses = Green Dresses

These lovely dresses are from a collection of vintage and restyled vintage dresses from Recapture, a couture bridal service that specializes in vintage gowns from Victorian times to the 70's.




These dresses are super cool and so great because they are made from reused fabrics and lace!

I had the pleasure of meeting Robin, the owner, after opening my boutique last month in Berkeley. Her salon is just a few minutes from me and I hope to work with her more in the future, since Vintage is often such a stylish way to go green.


G&G

Earth and Budget Friendly Tip #1

On a budget these days? Looking for green decor options but want to stay friendly to your budget as well as the planet? For designs on a budget, use found containers for your flowers or other decor. Whether you use what you have at home or ask around from friends and family, you might be able to come up with a collection of vases or dishes that could work. Most florists or caterers would be willing to include those items in the day's festivities, as I did last year with Gorgeous and Green. Take a look:

Pictures courtesy of Heart Studios

We went with a cobalt blue glass theme, and incorporated used vases that I found on my end and that the bride and her family collected on their end. From round and tall, to small and narrow, the collection was varied but went together nicely.

And, after the event, they all went home with their original owners.

G&G

Local Sweet Favors

Why not go local for your wedding favors? Locally made and sold products cuts down on pollution and you'll know that your giving your guests a little bit of love that will benefit your local economic community as well. If you can, try sourcing organic or recycled products if possible, and add to the positive effect of your purchase.

Here in the Bay Area, we have a plethora of local craftspeople, artists, farmers and food artisans. But I'm sure every local community is known for local goods or art, you just have to do your homework.

I have become well acquainted with two Bay Area businesses who create sweet treats that can be used as wedding favors: Marshall's Farm and Coracao Confections. Both produce wonderful products.



Coracao Confections make lovely organic, vegan and raw chocolate confections. They use superfoods like acai, goji and maca and other tasty treats like almonds and coconut.




They have a two piece box that would act as wonderful treats for wedding guests:

Each box contains a superberry cup (antioxidants) and a caramel. Both look and taste delicious.






Marshall's Farm produces (with the help of local bees) natural and raw honey from various areas around the Bay. Not only is it delicious, but it has some natural allergy relief built in for those who live here. Check out their small 2 oz pots of honey that would look great on each guest's place setting:



They have several types of honey collected from local sites around the Bay, so depending on where you live or are having your event, you can get specific honey.

Supporting local businesses and craftspeople is not only sustainable for the environment, but for your community. The more we learn to depend and thrive on what is in our neighborhood, the healthy our communities will become.

G&G

Sustainable and Green Photography

If you are interested in a greener route for your wedding photography, look around for photographers who can offer more sustainable options. Here are a few options that I know can reduce waste and be more green:

• get proofs online
  
• ask for recycled photo paper
• sign contracts over email
• choose digital photography

nuena.com/blog

I recently met a local green photographer here in the Bay Area. I asked to share with us how she is sustainable and green both in her business practices and in her life. She had some great ideas to share. Here is what Kira Stackhouse had to say about being green:

Why did you start offering sustainable photography?
Offering sustainable photography was something that was included with the launch of my business. To me, there are no two ways around it - having a business and operating it responsibly go hand in hand. I didn't actually decide to market myself as a "sustainable" photographer per se, but rather have sustainability and using eco-friendly alternatives be a set standard to which I naturally operate. I am a strong believer that if there are greener solutions available, I would be crazy not to use and implement them because it's the little choices that add up to make a big difference.

From Kira's blog: nuena.com/blog

How is your business green/sustainable?
We are sustainable in a number of ways. For instance, when we send out contracts, we've switched to a digital format where clients can send and sign a PDF agreement via the internet. When we do have to print something, we print only on New Leaf 100% recycled paper (100% post consumer waste). All of our marketing materials, including printed holiday cards and notecards, postcards, business cards, and client gallery cards are printed on recycled paper using soy based inks (by an offset printer). We also no longer offer printed proofs as part of our wedding packages as to cut down on waste - they are available a la carte now, since most of the time clients will only frame a small handful of the prints and the rest will sit in a box in the closet. We also use Zipcar to get around to all of our photoshoots. Zipcar is easy and convenient, and we save a ton of money on gas and insurance, not to mention that each Zipcar is like taking 14 cars off the road! For image delivery, we also offer the choice between receiving a disc of the images or having images available to download online. Many clients choose the online download simply because it is faster and more convenient than having to wait to receive the disc in the mail!

nuena.com/blog

What do you do in your own life that is green?
On a daily basis, I try to live as eco friendly as possible. When possible I eat organic which is much healthier for your body (My pets even eat organic!), I also ride my bike, walk or use public transportation to get around (in addition to using Zipcar). I also use a reusable water bottle to carry drinks instead of buying bottled water (Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, most of which are non biodegradable). Also at home I use CFL lightbulbs as using a Brita water pitcher to drink clean water. I also own a pet clothing company (scutte.com) where all the items are made from 100% recycled human clothes.

nuena.com/blog

What would your advice be for a green bride or groom?
In addition to sustainable photography, I would definitely encourage a couple to consider green alternatives for every aspect of the wedding - from looking for organically grown flowers and choosing organic and sustainable catering to considering a ring sourced from fair trade and/or reclaimed metal to having their wedding invitations printed on recycled paper (or even skipping the printed invites and using an online invitation). There are countless ways to make a wedding green without compromising on the quality and uniqueness of the event! I would also suggest considering a destination wedding - destination weddings are usually smaller and more intimate and they are usually less costly than the production of an entire wedding. I find that couples who choose destination weddings usually have another more casual celebration later with extended family and friends.

nuena.com/blog

If you could invent one thing to help us be more sustainable/eco-friendly, what would it be and why?
I can't think of an invention however I'd just suggest that being consistent with every small green step you make will ultimately leave a big impression in the future. By choosing green alternatives (services, products, etc), you'll not only be setting a good example to the people around you but will also be contributing to the longevity and health of the planet.

Thanks Kira for your answers!

G&G

Sustainable Wedding Jewelry

Let's talk about the bling. For most weddings, there are usually rings involved and possibly some other pieces of jewelry that are either bought, borrowed or gifted. So guess what? Those purchases can be green and sustainable just like everything else. Here are some ways to make them more green:

1. Buy used.
This is probably one the most green/sustainable options out there if you are willing to buy jewelry or rings that once belonged to someone else. The silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, gemstones, what have you, are already circulating this round world of ours and the deed is done. By buying them and using them again, you are giving them continued life to be enjoyed for more years to come. This is something that I did for my wedding and I was able to find this wonderful vintage turquoise necklace and crystal hair comb:

photo credit: erinbeach.com

2. Buy used and remake.
You can also buy pieces that you can have melted to make something new, as in the case of my wedding band and that of my husband's. The stones were from family member's old jewelry and I found some used gold rings to melt down. But finding a jeweler who has the mechanics to melt them down may take some investigation.

3. Buy from sustainably sourced and green jewelers.
If you want to let someone else do the recycling, sourcing and designing, there are a few jewelry designers and companies that can offer sustainable, recycled, fair trade and consciously made jewelry. Some specialize in wedding bands and rings, others in evening jewelry or gifts for bridesmaids and such. Here are a few that not only offer recycled gold and recycled or sustainably sourced jewels, but who also include green and sustainable business practices and philosophy.

Brilliant Earth

• offer conflict free, fair trade & Canadian diamonds from ethical and sustainable sources
• use recycled gold and platinum
  
• offer ethical origin sapphires
• give 5% of their profits to local African communities harmed by the diamond industry
• offer fine jewelry including: earrings, necklaces, rings, wedding rings
  
• offer custom design services
• jewelry comes with material sourcing information
• packaged in sustainably harvested Rimu wooden boxes
  

Green Karat

• use recycled precious metals
• use recycled and unmined gemstones
• use eco labeling to share the story of their jewelry
• use fair trade practices
• offer a registry option where family/friends can offer their old jewelry to be made into your new wedding rings
• offer custom design services
  
• offer wedding bands, rings, some earrings and other jewelry options

Ruff and cut

• use conflict free diamonds
• use recycled precious metals
• donate 10% of their sales to nonprofits who work to improve the lives of people in Mining Communities
  
• jewelry comes with material sourcing information
  
• offer rings, bands and some earrings and other jewelry options

Green Diva

• use recycled precious metals
• source from suppliers who use fair trade practices
• use recycled crystals,renewable and untreated jewels and materials
• plant a tree for every piece of jewelry sold
• offer services to refashion old jewelry
• jewelry comes with an eco key that explains sourcing and fair trade elements
  
• offer for a $15 discount if you recycle an old phone
• send jewelry in a pouch made from recycled wedding dresses
• offer earrings, bracelets and necklaces for a bride or other wedding party members

Kyler Designs

• source from US and local suppliers
• created pieces that can be reused over and over
• use mostly recycled metals and precious metals
• use recyclable glass jewels from recycled/partially recycled glass
• they recycle and practice green business practices
• donate to portion of profits to local and other non profits including National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease and SF Food Bank
• plant a tree for every order made
• working on being more green and sustainable and carbon neutral
  
• offer daytime and evening jewelry including earrings, bracelets and necklaces
  

Remember that any steps, even little ones, cumulatively have a big impact if we all challenge ourselves to make them.

G&G

A Green and Vegetable August Wedding

Over the Summer I had the pleasure of working with Meredith and Ben for their Wedding in Kensington, CA. Many of the elements were green and the decor was not only sustainable, but also very unique. Meredith chose vegetable and fruit centerpieces in lieu of floral designs; which played double duty as party favors for guests.

I asked Meredith to share some of the ways in which her and Ben acted green so that others could learn from their choices and plan sustainably in future weddings.

Bridesmaid's flowers
(seandonnellyphotography.com)

Why was being green important to you for your wedding?

My husband and I try to be conscientious of how our choices might impact the world in which we live. From the food we buy and eat, the clothing and products we purchase, to what we choose to throw away. We make every attempt to be conscientious in our parenting, eating, living, and consuming. We wanted our wedding to be a reflection of our lifestyle.


What green and sustainable items and decisions did you include?

The attire.
My wedding gown is a Nicole Miller and she only uses natural fibers in her dresses; I also chose a style that is (hopefully) not dated and can be passed on to a younger family member for her future wedding. My husband chose to wear a tan suit, which he will be able to wear time and again. And the wedding party was asked to choose any dress within the color scheme that they felt they would wear again (one bridesmaid has already worn her dress again!). Everyone was beautiful and unique in his/her chosen attire.

The wedding party.
(seandonnellyphotography.com)

The décor.
The amount of flowers that can be thrown away after a wedding saddens me, so I had the idea to use locally grown fruit and vegetables as centerpieces, which could also double as the take-home gift. A friend of mine works at a restaurant and gave me a stack of the little, green fruit baskets, one of which was at each place setting so guests could fill the basket with produce from the centerpieces.

Vegetable and fruit centerpieces.
(seandonnellyphotography.com)

A main component of the décor were the paper lanterns, which can be used again.

Lanterns.
(seandonnellyphotography.com)

My husband is an artist and he installed a piece of his art as the backdrop, along with the lanterns, during our ceremony. The flowers in the bouquets and boutonnieres were all local and in season.

Local flowers.
(seandonnellyphotography.com)

I specifically found flower girl baskets that were made of paper mache and that will biodegrade. Pilar did an amazing job, and the décor was festive and colorful.

The food.
The food was delicious! We chose a caterer who uses only high-quality, ethically and sustainable raised and grown food.

The cake.
The gal who created the cake for our wedding used only high-quality, organic ingredients and purchased as many of these ingredients at a farmer’s market as she could. The icing did not have the chemical fondant in it.

The Invitations.
My husband researched a local artist whom we asked to create a caricature of our family, so we used a local artist. She provided envelopes made of recycled paper.

The Guestbook and Favors.
I found a used photograph book of special places in the region and asked people to sign a photograph of their choosing. My mom poured some colorful soaps and placed them in clear compostable bags for guests to take home.

The Programs.
In lieu of individual programs for the ceremony, we created a single poster that sat right by the entrance stairs.

The Save-the-Dates.
We used email instead of mailing out ‘save the dates’ and set up a website for additional information that is often sent on separate pieces of paper with the invitation.

The Party.
(seandonnellyphotography.com)

What would be your advice to a green bride or groom planning their own wedding?

Question every little component of your wedding: think how you can make every detail unique in your own style and question how those details can create the least amount of waste.

More Lanterns.
(seandonnellyphotography.com)

What was the most enjoyably part of your wedding?

We both agree that our favorite part of the wedding was the ceremony. Our friend wrote the wording of the ceremony and my husband wrote the vows. We also really enjoyed the gathering of our family and friends. And finally, the décor and the food were amazing. We had a lot of fun on our wedding day!

Many of the lanterns ended up with second uses too, as fun kids toys.
(seandonnellyphotography.com)

Thanks so much Meredith and Ben for sharing your wedding and the steps that you made towards a greener wedding. All photos courtesy of Sean Donnelly Photography: seandonnellyphotography.com


G&G