But we are still capturing our expereinces and will bring them to you here on Go Green In Style soon!  

Thank you for your questions, comments, and suggestions.  We are looking forward to sharing more of our journey down the green aisle…

Sean and Mandy

Choosing eco-friendly wedding stationary doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, when armed with the right information, it’s actually quite simple. Just keep these four “P’s” in mind: Paper, Printing, Place, and Practices. 

We’ll start with the first “P”: Paper: As opposed to just “100% recycled,” seek out invitations printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper. This paper is created from consumer products, usually retrieved from curbside recycling, and ensures there are no new trees used in making the paper. There are also other eco-friendly options, such as FSC certified paper, which guarantees the fibers in the paper come from responsibly maintained forests, and tree free papers, such as bamboo and hemp. 

Printing: There are four common types of printing for wedding invitations: offset printing, letterpress printing, thermography (raised printing), and digital and inkjet printing. Without getting into a long diatribe about each, each one has their pros and cons. Talk to your invitation provider or browse through their website about what environmentally friendly methods they implement first. You may have a local print shop who offers to print your invites for a great price, but perhaps they don’t recycle scraps (you’d be surprised how many don’t). While Crane & Co. uses offset and thermographic printing, but they work hard to minimize their carbon footprint by investing in pollution prevention strategies and tree free paper.

Place: This refers to the location of your invitation provider. The less traveling you have to do, the better. And the less traveling your invitations have to do to get to you, the better. This minimizes pollution resulting from transportation. Seek out online invitation providers that purchase carbon offsets for shipping or explore local invitation artists or designers. This is something we at EarthlyAffair.com do for every single shipment. 

Practice: Last, but not least, this “P” refers to practices. What eco-friendly business practices, if any, has your invitation provider implemented? Most online providers will put something on their website, but for others you might have to do a little more digging. Some of the things you might look for are in-office recycling, keeping documents in electronic format to save paper, and installing energy efficient equipment and light bulbs.

I had a DJ ask me how to be a “GREEN Wedding DJ”?  Other that using solar powered instruments, string instruments, etc., What can I tell him?   Any suggestions?

Dianne

That is so fun. I love to see how people are trying to make green their own. That is so exciting.

Here is a starting place.

1. Consider using equipment that’s energy efficient. Look for the Energy Star brand. According to EPA, Energy Star products “use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.”
2. Examine how you get to gigs. Do you drive a diesel vehicle?  Why not use biodiesel made out of left over restaurant grease?  Local biodiesel suppliers exist all over the U.S. Click here to learn more about biodiesel.
3. Having an outside event that requires a generator? Use a green generator rather than a traditional diesel generator. Tree Sound Studios offers a totally green power solution. The Tree Power and Sound Equipment harnesses wind and solar to power your music. Consider renting this for your next event.
4. Many musicians and DJ’s require a rider. Ensure your rider seeks eco friendly solutions. Low level packaging, local/organic/in season food, tap not bottled water, etc.
5. Be sure not to idle your vehicle when you’re loading and unloading.
6. Buy carbon offsets for your travel to gigs.

Have other thoughts? Know a DJ who is embracing green?  Let us know by adding a comment below!

Rock on!

Mandy

(image used under Creative Commons License by Auroramixer)

On March 28, 2009 at 8:30 p.m., tens of millions of people in more than 400 cities in over 74 countries around the world will come together once again to make a bold statement about their concern about climate change by doing something quite simple-turning off their lights for one hour.  Earth Hour symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in the fight against climate change. According to GGIS editor Mandy Schmitt, “Initiatives like Earth Hour are important to take part in for our own personal journey as we strive to go green in our personal lives.  It sends a message that I care about this issue and opens doors to find solutions to the escalating climate crisis.” 

Leading the Charge

Earth Hour was first celebrated two years ago in Sydney, Australia, when 2.2 million people and thousands of businesses turned out their lights, allowing the message about climate change to shine brightly. In March 2008, Earth Hour went global. More than 400 cities, thousands of businesses and over 50 million people around the world turned off their lights for one hour to demonstrate their commitment to slowing the effects of climate change. An estimated 36 million Americans reported participating.

The movement captured the public’s imagination with lights going out at some of the world’s most iconic landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Bangkok’s Wat Arun Buddhist temple, the Coliseum in Rome, Stockholm’s Royal Castle, London’s City Hall, New York’s Empire State Building, Sears Tower in Chicago and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Other symbols going dark included Cola-Cola’s famous billboard in Times Square and the Google homepage. The Earth Hour USA website received more than 7 million unique visitors during the week leading up to event, and the official video, narrated by actor Jeremy Piven, was viewed on YouTube nearly 800,000 times in less than 72 hours. Earth Hour’s myspace page was viewed 150,000 times.

Stories about the event were featured on Oprah!, NBC Nightly News, Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, CNN, NPR, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, Time.com, Yahoo.com and more.

In 2009 Earth Hour Goes from Big to Bigger!

Already cities in 74 countries around the world have committed to Earth Hour 2009. Flagship cities in the U.S. include: Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. They will join international cities such as: Abu Dhabi, Amman, Auckland, Beijing, Bogota, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Guatemala City, Edinburgh, Helsinki, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Kiev, Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, London, Manila, Mexico City, Moscow, Oslo, Rome, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Vancouver, Wellington and Warsaw. We hope to touch a billion people with the event in 2009.

From melting glaciers to increasingly intense weather patterns, climate change is already impacting life on our planet.  To alter the course of climate change we must act now. One person committed to reducing energy consumption can make a difference, but millions working together can change the world.

Brought to you by Mandy Schmitt, GGIS Editor and Co-chair Earth Hour Atlanta on behalf of the Earth Hour US Team

One hour – Earth Hour. Turn off. Take action.   www.EarthHourUs.org           

Eco-bella is a lifestyle boutique located in the heart of Atlanta’s trendy Virginia-Highlands neighborhood. The owners are committed to our social and environmental responsibility.  They carefully research all vendors and all of product aspects before carrying any product. Their doors and hearts are open for the novice and beyond.  

Green Registry

For the green bride, Eco-bella is terrific registry source for a range of natural home products including towels, linens, and bedding. The Akhara and Savari towel lines are the perfect solution for any wedding registry- green or traditional.  These lines come in a range of beautiful colors and all sizes. They are also wonderfully soft, the color holds true after years, and they are extremely durable.  

Eco-bella creates a fun, effortless registry process for any couple by providing you with a personal touch and professional expertise in a low pressure environment.  

Looking and feeling great on your wedding day

There is no more critical day in any woman’s life that her makeup look perfect than on her wedding day. Eco-bella carries a full line of Dr. Hauschka’s organic beauty and skin care- a luxurious line on par with any department store brand. What is super cool is that this line carries none of the horrible toxins of most mainstream lines.  

Also, consider the aromatherapy bath kit and daily facial starter kit for hostess gifts for your loved ones throwing your showers and parties.  Trust me; they will light up when they receive such a treat! 

Finding the perfect gift for the special people in your life

Wedding planning is hectic enough and the bride still has to keep up with everything from your friends’ weddings and baby showers to your mom’s 60^th birthday. Somehow it seems more important to do something special for these people because of all that they are doing to make your wedding special.   

Eco-bella is a wonderful resource for any occasion and any person. When registering for yourself, look out for the perfect baby blanket or onesie for the next baby shower or pick up a comfy spa robe for your mom.  

Living by Example

Not only did Eco-bella undergo a green renovation but the store has also been certified to be Carbon Neutral. Under the leadership of Eco-bella owner Antje Kingma, the Virginia Highland’s business district and Eco Bella became the first carbon neutral zone in the US. According to Antje, “Verus Carbon Neutral allowed us to do to neutralize the environmental damage created by our daily necessities. The Verus Carbon Neutral Partnership is a credible, transparent and professional carbon footprint auditor. Each business at the Corner opened their books to a carbon emissions audit. Upon completion of each company audit, Verus Carbon Neutral purchased carbon offsets from the highly respected Chicago Climate Exchange. For The Corner-Virginia Highland Businesses, the offsets were bought to promote reforestation and wind energy.” 

Contact information: Eco-bella, 1046 N. Highland Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306, 404-815-4280, www.eco-bella.com

Visit the Eco-bella Online store

For more about the Virginia Highland’s Carbon Neutral Zone Click Here

We want to hear from you!  Let us know what you’ve liked and what you would like to see.  As we get closer to our own wedding we will certainly be busy, but we also will have great stories about what we’ve learned that we can share.  Go Green In Style couldn’t work without the help of people like you – we love the feedback we’ve received and look forward to continuing to serve.

What’s hot at GGIS?  Over the past 90 days, these are the articles that you, our readers, indicated were the most interesting – measured by view count:

• Green Wedding Shower Check List
• Bridal Shower – Yankee Edition
• Disposable Plate Dilemma
• Bridesmaid Dress Brew-ha-ha
• Real Green Brides II – Amanda and Daniel
• Tips for Environmentally Sound Wedding Flowers

What sort of things do we have in the pipeline?  Good question.  Here’s a few of the articles to expect in the next few months:

• Transit & transportation guide
• Reduce, reuse and recycling registry packing material
• Green rehearsal dinner venues
• The Green Groom
• Eco couture for your wedding party. Yes, groomsmen too!
• A sommelier’s guide to sustainable wines that won’t break the bank
• Expert wedding planner joins the team to bring you seasoned advice
• 360 Sustainable Invitation Solution
• Featured vendors- insider’s guide to companies that are really walking the walk and not greenwashing
• Serenbe: A behind the scene’s series about the leading internationally renowned green wedding destination.
• Get ideas for your wedding from more real brides
• Farm to table- Meet farmers who grows food and flowers to order for your wedding
• “From scratch”- organic wedding cakes

And on top of that we hope to hear more stories from the front line of the Green Wedding revolution.  Including more from our front line – reflections on the eco wedding from our bridal party.  Knowing our friends as we do you can expect diverse views, probing insights, and a health dose of humor.

We are also making some changes behind the scenes to improve site functionality.  Thank you to all of the folks who have offered assistance with the current layout and suggestions for improvement.  We’d love to hear other requests.  In fact, one of the new functions is already live!  Send us comments directly on our comment form, or add a comment to this post below.

Thanks!

Enjoy!

Books

Eco-Chic Weddings: Simple Tips to Plan an Earth-Friendly, Socially Responsible, Affordable Green Wedding by Emily Elizabeth Anderson

The Everything Green Wedding Book: Plan an elegant, affordable, earth-friendly wedding (Everything Series) by Wenona Napolitano

The Green Bride Guide: How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget by Kate L. Harrison

Green Wedding: Planning Your Eco-Friendly Celebration by Mireya Navarro

How to Get Married in Green by Suzan St.Maur

Green Weddings That Don’t Cost the Earth by Carol Reed-Jones

The Green Wedding Guide: Creating a Celebration That’s Elegant and Ethical by Valerie Edmunds

Anti-Bride Guide: Tying the Knot Outside of the Box by Carolyn Gerin and Stephanie Rosenbaum

Organic Weddings: Balancing Ecology, Style and Tradition by Michelle Kozin
 

Websites & Blogs

Eco Chic Weddings by Emily Anderson, the ultimate blog about eco-chic weddings

Everything Green Weddings by Wenona Napolitano

It’s a Nice Day for a Green Wedding, A blog with suggestions about greening weddings and other events you are planning.

Great Green Wedding

Green Elegance Weddings

Green Bride Guide

Articles & TV shows

Altar-native Energy: How to green your wedding, Grist Magazine

Green Weddings, The Knot.com

CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION by Sheryl Eisenberg, NRDC

Planning a Green Wedding, Coop America

It’s not easy going green, Rich Bride, Poor Bride, WE TV

How to Go Green: Weddings, Treehugger.com

Say ‘I do’ Green Wedding, Today Show

Have a Green Wedding, Time Magazine

Have other sources that you have found?  Have a recommendation based on your experience?  Let us know!  Add a comment below to help other folks Go Green In Style…

Lets begin with a primer on the basics of a good skincare routine.  The following steps are the basics of a routine for beautiful wedding day skin: 

1.  Cleanse - whether to remove makeup, or just the grime we accumulate in the environment, cleansing the skin is the cornerstone of a good skincare routine.

2.  Exfoliate - necessary to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.  This can be accomplished manually (such as with a washcloth, scrub, or microfiber cloth) or chemically (such as with gentle acids).

3.  Tone - helps to protect the skin by returning to proper ph (somewhat acidic, between 4.2 and 5.6).  Toners can also help to hydrate the skin.

4.  Hydrate - the skin is about 70% water, and we need to hydrate both internally and externally.  Internal hydration requires drinking plenty of water, while external hydration can be accomplished through spritzing the skin with water or based products (for example distilled or spring water, aloe vera juice, and hydrosols – distillates which are a by product of the essential oil making process), or applying water based serums, lotions or gels.

5.  Treat - there are many natural and green products that can treat various imbalances or problems with the skin (such as essential oils, hydrosols, antioxidants, acids, fruit and nut oils, and other “active” ingredients).

6.  Emollience - oils, lotions, and creams help to seal in the hydration and protect the skin. 

While this may seem complicated, we don’t necessarily need to include all of these steps everyday (depending on your individual skin care needs, exfoliation and treatments might only be necessary a few days a week). 

The very basic daily routine should include: 

• Cleansing (even if its just wetting your face with water),
• Toning (with a mild tonic, such as a spritz of aloe juice mixed with a small amount of vinegar, or an herbal hydrosol)
• Hydration – for some a toner will be sufficient hydration, others may want to follow toner with a water based serum or gel
• Emollient – seal in hydration and protect the skin with a few drops of natural oils (NOT essential oils – these are too potent to use straight on the skin) or a naturally formulated lotion or cream.

Speak up!  Have a favorite green skin care product?  Let us know by adding a comment below.

Renewable Energy Credits and Carbon Offsets 

Reducing the Footprint of Your Wedding

The events surrounding a wedding, just like much of our everyday lives require the use of a significant amount of energy.  Whether used by guests travelling by plane and by car, or the electricity used by the wedding, rehearsal dinner, and hotel facilities, energy is used in every aspect of a wedding.  The gasoline for cars and planes and the electricity generated and sent through the grid is primarily (over 90%) from greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels.  Transportation and electricity production are MAJOR contributors to global climate change.

Since most of us aren’t able to get to every wedding by walking or riding our bike, and not every facility has solar panels on the roof to produce 100% of the electricity or a wind turbine out in the back, we have to find other ways to make energy consumption as part of a wedding more sustainable. 

The primary tools we have to do enable individuals to support renewable energy projects and carbon reduction are known as Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and Carbon Offsets or Voluntary Emissions Reductions (VERs).  Now it just so happens that as Director of Resource Development at Renewable Choice Energy, a leading marketer of RECs and carbon offsets in the US, I lead our efforts to support these types of projects (so that’s why Mandy asked me write this!).

For more information about RECs and carbon offsets, how they work, and what the difference is between them, please visit http://www.renewablechoice.com/residential-why-it-works.html – our marketing people have put together a great series of diagrams and explanations that help make this all much clearer than I could type here.

Carbon offsets have their origin in the Kyoto Protocol signed in 1997 as the international community’s effort to stem anthropogenic (human produced) greenhouse gasses.  The voluntary market standards and projects have their basis in the Kyoto Protocol. A carbon offset is measured in units of one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (there are six greenhouse gasses – it’s a lot easier to convert them all to their global warming potential based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s conversions).

The Renewable Energy Credit market is a U.S. based market that has developed into an important element of driving financial and other support for renewable energy development in the United States.  One REC equals One Megawatt hour or one thousand kilowatt hours. 

Lets take the example of Mandy’s wedding.  For our purposes lets assume:

• That there are 300 people coming
• All 300 people are driving an average of 170 miles (distance from Atlanta to Macon). 
• Of those 300 people, 100 of them are flying an average of 2,430 miles roundtrip (that’s my flight from Denver to Atlanta). 

The impacts of that travel would be approximately:

• 51,000 miles driven emitting approximately 50,000 pounds of carbon dioxide
• 243,000 air miles flown emitting approximately 94,800 pounds of carbon dioxide

That’s a total of 144,800 pounds of carbon dioxide or 65.7 metric tons of CO2.  That’s a lot of CO2 emissions for a single weekend! 

On the electricity side, you have the electricity used in the hotels people stay in, at the facilities for the dinners and other events.  There are a lot of different factors that go into how much electricity those buildings use like how old the building is, how efficient their HVAC and other systems are, whether they have compact fluorescent light bulbs or incandescent, how much they have the air conditioning turned up, etc. 

A 100,000 square foot hotel in Macon, GA would:

• Consume approximately 1,770,000 killowatt hours per year, causing approximately 1,094 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. 
• A three day weekend at the hotel (assuming all events occurred there), would use approximately:
  • 14,548 killowat hours and emit approximately 9 metric tons of carbon dioxide. 
• Purchasing 14,548 killowatt hours of Renewable Energy Credits from a wind, biomass, small hydro or other renewable facility (like the products we sell) would ensure that a commensurate amount of renewable energy went onto the grid to offset the power consumed that weekend. 

Energy consumption is not typically something that we think about in our daily lives.  We flip the switch and the lights come on, we fill up the tank or get on the plane and it goes.  There are significant impacts to our energy consumption in the United States – we emit 25% of the world’s greenhouse gases yet account for only about 5% of the world’s population.  Tackling our energy consumption by improving efficiency, reducing consumption, and aggressively developing renewable energy is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities in front of us today.  Supporting a more sustainable, low carbon energy infrastructure is a contribution every individual can make, and what better time to start that than with a wedding?!?!

We have your answer! Well, we have an answer to at least one of your dilemmas. It is almost certain that you will end up with some new towels as wedding or shower gifts.  As you are going through your old towels wondering what to do with them – don’t fret! We have a place that will gladly accept all of your old towels. They will even take the stained and tattered ones with your monogram that you received as a high school graduation gift from your loving grandmother.  Local humane societies welcome towel donations that they utilize to line and clean the kennels as well as bath the animals.  We promise that the dogs will not mind a nail polish stain, a tear or festive color. Plus you can feel good about recycling your weathered towels while enjoying your vibrant, soft, stain-free new ones. 

In addition to towels, they also accept newspapers, newspaper bags, toilet paper rolls & paper towel rolls.  The cardboard paper rolls make excellent “new” chew toys for puppies.  

If you’re in Atlanta- the Atlanta Humane Society is located at the corner of Howell Mill Road and 10^th Street in Midtown.  The Atlanta Humane Society is open seven days a week, so drop by at your convenience and be sure to say “hi” to the adorable puppies and kittens awaiting their new forever home.  

To find your local human society visit: http://www.hsus.org/

by Erin Clark & Beth Ament