Planning Green

For a wedding or large event, there are a lot of little details. And those details can start to get overwhelming, so hiring a professional planner or coordinator can be a stress-reliever, if it's in your budget.  Hiring a green even planner and coordinator is even more important when you're trying to go green.  Not only are they super organized and adept at planning events, but someone who knows green can also help you make your event the most sustainable and eco-friendly it can be. (Photography above by Cathryn Lovecraft)

Photographer: Cathryn Lovecraft

I have had the opportunity to work with and get to know a local green event planner, Karine Brighten, here in the Bay Area.  I've asked her to share a little about green event planning.  Here is what she had to say:

1. Why did you choose green event planning?

I decided to do green event planning because I am very passionate about environmental issues in my personal life as well as in business.  I love educating my clients on how to make their events eco-friendly.  It's great when they realize they can actually save money while feeling great about their eco-conscious choices.

Photographer: Genvieve Shiffrar

2. How is a green event planner different from other event planners?

A green event planner is different than other event planners because we work very closely with other green businesses, we are very conscious about the environmental impacts that events can have, and we make decisions that will reduce our environmental footprint.  

Photographer: Genvieve Shiffrar

3. Besides hiring a green event planner, what do you see to be the most valuable green choice a couple can make in their event planning process?  

The most valuable green choices in my opinion are reducing the amount of paper (using electronic tools instead), having the event close to home, and working with local green businesses.

Not only is Karine green-minded, Karine Brighten Events is also certified Green Business.  Meaning that her own business practices are green like the events she plans.

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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.

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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:




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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.

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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.


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Go Vintage and Go Green

A lot of couples are choosing a vintage look for their wedding decor. From Damask prints to polka dots, 40's Hollywood or 20's Gatsby; what better way to achieve the look than with actual vintage and reused items? Use vintage for the wedding dress, suit, veil, floral containers, etc. With a little bit of research and work you can find the perfect vintage items to go with your scheme and style. And, you'll keep items out of the landfills and reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your dependence on newly manufactured items.

Talk with vendors and see if they can help support your mission to reduce and reuse vintage and antique materials. You might be able to find a dress maker who can use recycled fabrics and lace from other dresses.

Dress made with vintage materials, photo courtesy of heartstudios

Vintage dress and style, photo courtesy of Mock Photography

Or, you may find a florist or event designer (like me) who has a collection of vintage glass, decor or containers that you can rent for the event.

Milk and green glass available to rent from Gorgeous and Green

Vintage is very stylish and very green.

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