Sustainability – Sustainability is simple living that includes the principles of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, underground metals and minerals, as well as, synthetic chemicals and unnatural substances. Selecting invitations and other stationary products that are printed with soy or vegetable inks, as well as, soy or beeswax candles, are a couple ways to use natural over synthetic products at your wedding.

Carbon Footprint Consciousness - A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide emitted.  You can be conscious about the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by hiring a shuttle to get guests to and from the ceremony and reception, lessening the amount of people driving their own cars.  By serving local foods and wines and using locally harvested flowers that are in season, you’ll use less fuel than shipping these products from a distance.  Local Diamond Hill Winery in Rhode Island is a great choice for wine; or check out a list of wineries by county at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts web site.

Recycling - Recycling is turning used materials into new products to prevent waste and reduce pollution.  So many wedding products are made from recycled products nowadays. Some popular products include favors embedded with seeds, flower bulbs, and tree seedlings in recycled packaging, wedding rings made from recycled gold, invitations, announcements, and save the date cards printed on 100% recycled and tree free papers. Buying estate jewelry or a vintage bridal gown from a second hand store are also great forms of recycling.

Organic – In organic food production, the use of non-organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides is restricted and meats must not contain any antibiotics or growth hormones. By buying organic, you reduce the amount of chemicals and pollution that go into the land and water keeping them cleaner and healthier for future generations. Organic ingredients like chocolate are now widely available for candy favors and organic wedding cakes are gaining popularity as well.