This article was filed under General

Iowa City, Iowa (May 20, 2008) — Planning your wedding? Don’t forget to incorporate something old, something new, something borrowed, and something...green? According to National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA), a business services cooperative representing 110 natural food co-ops nationwide, couples can make their weddings greener without increasing cost or hassle.

“Planning a green wedding can be accessible for any couple,” said Robynn Shrader, chief executive officer for NCGA. “With creative thinking, couples can greatly reduce their carbon footprint and oftentimes the cost of their wedding and reception.”

Green weddings are a unique way to express a lifelong commitment to marriage and the environment at the same time. With these tips, couples can think strategically about how to lessen their carbon imprint and create an event reflective of their personal values.

Location

• Consider an eco-friendly wedding location – think museums, gardens and orchards – and a reception location nearby
• Choose a location with natural light during the day or use lanterns and candles in the evening to offset energy used to light the venue
• Choose the city nearest to the majority of the guests – fewer flights translates to a smaller carbon footprint

Invitations

• Use web-based evites for computer savvy guests
• Craft your own invitations for maximum personality
• Use invitations made from 100 percent recycled materials
• Recommend green hotels and transportation options to guests in advance

Decorations

• Use planted floral arrangements instead of cut flowers
• Use biodegradable and recyclable decorations
• Consider using edible centerpieces to reduce waste

Food

• Contact local vendors, artisans and caterers that use locally-sourced and organic foods and beverages
• When reusable flatware is not possible, use biodegradable or 100 percent recycled disposable dishes

Gifts

• Suggest that guests wrap gifts in reusable cloth and ribbons
• Ask for donations to an environmental cause in lieu of gifts
• Choose wedding favors that are green and won’t be discarded – organic teas, chocolates, herbs, etc.

About NCGA

The National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA), founded in 1999, is a business services cooperative for consumer-owned food co-ops located throughout the United States. NCGA is owned by 110 food co-ops operating more than 130 stores in 32 states with combined annual sales of over $945 million. NCGA helps unify natural food co-ops in order to optimize operational and marketing resources, strengthen purchasing power, and ultimately offer more value to natural food co-op shoppers everywhere. For a map of co-op member locations, visit www.ncga.coop/member-stores. To learn more about NCGA, click here. To learn more about co-ops visit www.go.coop.