Organic Cakes

Most weddings I have ever been to have a cake. It's sort of the frosting on the wedding if you can handle that pun. For just one item, it tends to take up quite a bit of the wedding budget. So why not make it sustainable and organic? Your tummy and your planet will thank you.

Organic cake bakers are few and far between, but I bet you can find someone in your local area who can make your cake organic. I had the pleasure of interviewing a local organic baker for my Gorgeous and Green blog. Her name is Edith Meyer and I would like to share their story here to give you an idea of what it might mean to be an organic baker:

1. Why did you start your business and how did you decide to get involved in making organic/sustainable cakes?

One of my best friends who knew I liked to bake asked me to make her wedding cake. And it turned out to be a five-tiered, hand-painted, fondant-covered, crazy-elaborate undertaking. But I LOVED it. And it turns out that most wedding cakes actually aren't good - all the focus is on the design.

So I started the business to provide great-tasting cakes and desserts for weddings. An organic focus is honestly just a part of my lifestyle, which happens to translate very organically (pardon the pun) into the best-tasting products. You want your guests to enjoy every aspect of the wedding, and the dessert should be a part of that!

2. How would you define sustainable living?

In the most simple of terms, we need to be conscious of the impact that we have on the world around us, and take steps in as many areas of our lives as we can to reduce our negative impact.

3. What do you think is the biggest barrier in getting couples to choose a green/sustainable wedding?

Hm. My first instinct is to say cost, but I don't think that is really it. People see weddings as the one day when it IS about them, and when they CAN splurge, so they often don't want to make compromises like wearing a recycled dress or having a few less pieces of beautiful paper in the invitations. And I can understand that. (Although I think hemp silk dresses like those at conscious clothing should change EVERYONE'S mind!! )

Maybe choose SOME sustainable elements, like centerpieces, flowers, favors, and feel really good about those choices. Lack of education is a barrier - people are still learning what "green" really means with respect to weddings. And there are some murky areas, like carbon offsets for your traveling guests. I don't think I'd recommend them until there is more transparency about where the money goes. Luckily, as the green movement gathers steam there is a cache in identifying with it, and couples who live sustainably clearly want that reflected in their weddings. So I think the barriers are getting smaller.

There is NO barrier when it comes to edibles, I think (lucky for me!). Organic just tastes better, period. So spending a little more on food and dessert that tastes AMAZING is worth it to most people - they want to honor the guests who have come to honor the two of THEM, and serving a great meal is the best way to do that. I honestly cannot tell you the number of clients who have been to a number of cake tastings, and after one bite they're sold. It is THAT different.

4. How is your business green/sustinable?

What do you wish you could do or >have to make it more green or better for people and the planet? Since day one, all of our cakes' ingredients are organic, and we source locally whenever possible. We work with local farmers to source everything from eggs and butter to berries and vegetables. Even our chocolates and coffee beans are organic and fair-trade. My office is completely solar-powered; we recycle and compost everything we can - I even have a recycled-bottle cover for my iPhone (thank you, Agent 18! ).

My transportation is NOT hybrid, because a) it's older and paid for and I don't want to scrap it until it's necessary, and b) because the battery issues with hybrids still aren't ideal, I think. So I guess I wish I could have a teleportation device to just magically appear at far-away venues, cakes in hand. :)

5. What is the most un-green or unsustainable wedding practice that you can think of or have seen in your experience?

As cool as they are, I think destination weddings to remote islands are pretty consumptive. Luckily they're also usually pretty small, so let's hope that helps offset the impact.

6. Let's pretend for a moment that you could create one green invention in your life (that worked) what would it be?

Hm - what a difficult, broad question. Tiny, incredibly efficient, non-polluting, affordable power sources for everyone? Tricky! In the meantime, we can all just manage ourselves as thoughtfully as possible.

Thanks Edith for your answers and artistic talent!

G&G

Interview with a Green Jeweler

I recently happened upon a jewelry artist who handcrafts her pieces using recycled materials, may of which would be perfect for wedding bands or gifts! Her name is Kristin Coffin and you can find her jewelry here. I asked her to share some words about the importance of acting green and seeking sustainable methods in our daily lives as well as in our jewelry shopping. Take a look at some of her great designs and what she had to say:


WHY SUSTAINABLE/ECO-FRIENDLY JEWELRY?

Jewelry is rich with history and tradition, but the current politics behind what we seek are reeking havoc on our earth and its inhabitants. Although most silver on the market is already recycled, gold mining stills plays an enormous role in environmental and social degradation worldwide. We think instantly of cars and factories as huge polluters, but often don't realize the terrible effects of gold mining. Landscapes are ruined, ocean habitats are destroyed, toxic levels of cyanide are leached into groundwater, and villages are torn apart because of it.

Personal adornment is definitely here to stay, but we have to act responsibly, the same way we've all started to think about hybrid cars and recycling.


HOW IS IT SUSTAINABLE?

All gold and silver used in my jewelry is recycled. I purchase the gold for my designs from vendors that only sell gold that was recycled from the Earth’s existing metal supply (they do not buy from mining companies). I also collect all my metal dust, scraps, and shavings, and have it refined so that it can be made and resold into sustainable new product.


HOW ELSE IN YOUR LIFE DO YOU ACT SUSTAINABLY?

Too many ways to count! I see sustainability not just as promoting a greener earth, but also as contributing to your local community's economy. I don't own a car (bus and subway only!). I shop local whenever possible, trying to avoid large corporations in favor of small independent businesses. I frequent the local farmer's market. I use Seventh Generation products at home and in the studio, and only cloth towels--no paper towels. Oh yeah, and I'm vegetarian.


WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU CHANGE FOR A GREENER WORLD?

A think a good, and extremely doable first step would be to add just a little vegetarian into everyone's diets. Cattle farming emits more harmful greenhouse gasses than cars and other modes of transportation (2006 report from the United Nations). A new study shows that livestock’s contribution to greenhouse emissions actually accounts for 51% of the total worldwide. Eek! If everyone ate vegetarian just ONE day per week, we could cut emissions by 18% or more! Come on, it's just one day without a burger...and veggie burgers are so good!

Thanks Kristin for your inspiration and beauty. I know I have been working on eating a more vegetarian diet for very similar reasons!

G&G

Green and Beauty Products

No doubt, on your wedding day and beyond you will be using soap, hopefully some deodorant, maybe some fragrance, a little lip balm or gloss, maybe some powder, mascara, nail polish... etc. Most of us use body and face care products and a fair amount of us use makeup.

All of these items can be green and good for us, or not so green and possibly even bad for us, depending on what's in them and how they're made. More and more consumers are getting smart about the products their buying and slathering on their skin, but there's more to it than you might think. I myself got a little tutoring session from the Organic Consumers Association and Skin Deep, the Environmental Working Group's cosmetic database.


Whether you're looking for some new organic products to try out or want to know more about what's in the stuff you are already using, these two websites might have some good information for you. Take a look at Skin Deep's Cosmetic Database to find out what level of hazard they've deemed that lipstick or mouthwash. Or, take a look at the list of Body Care Companies that have one or more products meeting USDA organic standards. (or look for the USDA organic seal, which means more than just seeing organic in the name or ingredients list)

I found some USDA organic products that I was already familiar with, and some new ones too. Take a look at a few picks I found for face, body and hair:

Miessence Concealers and Powders shown above

Miessence Mascara

Organoderm Moisturizer

Organoderm Facial Cleanser

Simply Organic Volume Spray

Simply Organic Hair Shine

Whatever you choose to rub or spray on your body, choose wisely. Pay attention to the ingredients list and ask questions. Some say up to 60% of what you put on your skin goes into your bloodstream. That's more than enough reason for me to do more investigating and make some changes.

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

Eco-Friendly Invitation Options

Once you set the date, reserve a space and come up with your guest list (that task can be difficult, good luck!) you're on to the invitations. And there are a lot of options. Here I've given you a little taste of some of the more green options available and a brief explanation of how and why they are green.

Earthly Affair

earthlyaffair.com

How Earthly Affair acts as a green printer and sustainable business:

• They offset co2 emissions resulting from shipments and business through carbonfund.org.
• A portion of their profits are donated to environmental projects.
• They recycle or reuse everything they can.
• They implement energy saving practices
• They compost and/or recycle leftover paper scraps.
• They reuse shipping supplies or materials.

Invite Site

invitesite.com

How Invite Site acts as a green printer and sustainable business:

• Their 6,000 sq ft factory is not heated or air-conditioned.
• They use biodegradable packing material and reuse boxes or recycle them.
• All paper scrap is donated to LA's BEST Afterschool Program.
• Use old printing presses and feed paper by hand
• Use vegetable based inks
• They are dedicated to the promotion of treefree and alternative fiber papers
• All appliances are energy star and no water bottles are allowed at the work site
  

Paisley Tree Press

paisleytreepress.com

How Paisley Tree Press acts as a green printer and sustainable business:

• They use 100% cotton paper. This paper is made in America from reclaimed fibers from the textile industry that would otherwise be discarded and thrown into our landfills. Other paper is made from 30% to 100% post consumer recycled paper.
• They recycle and reuse whenever possible.
• Every piece of paper is hand fed into a 1902 Chandler and Price letterpress.
• They seek out suppliers that use eco-friendly practices. Their plate makers offer recycling of old printing plates.

Delphine

delphinepress.com

How Delphine acts as a green printer sustainable business:

• They use eco-friendly papers: the standard letterpress stock is 100% cotton...tree-free and the standard digital stock is 100%pcw recycled.
• They use soy-based inks, low voc solvents and recyclable metal plates.
• They buy envelopes and paper from mills that use 100% clean, renewable hydroelectric energy or other certified renewable energy sources.
• Burnt out light bulbs are replaced with energy efficient bulbs
• They recycle and print on both sides of copy paper.

Tasha Rae Designs

tasharaedesigns.com

How Tasha Rae Designs acts as a green printer and sustainable business:

• 85% of their customers request recycled papers and they try to talk the other 15% into using them as well.
• They offer a wide variety of recycled and earth-friendly papers
• They plant a tree at the end of each month through www.americanforests.org for each earth-friendly order.
• Instead of charging their customers for samples, they ask them to make a small donation to the charity of their choice.

I hope that was helpful!

G&G