22nd December 2019
Weddings can be very wasteful, but they don't have to be. With some planning ahead, there are many swaps you can make to reduce the environmental impact of your wedding.
Did you know that British weddings produce the same weight as 47 blue whales in plastic waste every year? According to Sky Ocean Rescue, a typical wedding in the UK creates around 20kg of plastic waste. With around 245,513 weddings taking place, this is a total of 4,910 tonnes of plastic - the equivalent weight of 47 blue whales.
Here are 4 ways to make your wedding plastic-free!
We're talking about plastic straws, plastic cutlery, cups and all those other single-use items. Their minutes of convenience carry a huge environmental cost. Whilst many councils, states and countries around the world have banned them, they are still often found at weddings.
Reusable bamboo straws, reusable bamboo cutlery and coconut bowls are great alternatives. The Other Straw offers unique wedding packages to personalise their bamboo straws, cutlery and bowls for your special day. If you don't use them at the reception, they're great eco-friendly wedding favour!
Wedding decorations can have a damaging environmental cost with all the confetti, balloons and other items involved. Biodegradable decor is a must for a plastic-free or eco friendly wedding. This means no balloons, no plastic confetti or other single-use plastic decor.
Head to your local thrift store and get creative! The up-cycled decor is probably the most sustainable option and bound to be loved by your guests.
There is an array of biodegradable confetti and dried rose petals available online as an alternative to plastic confetti. Or, create your own with old flowers, book pages, and a hole puncher!
Show your family and friends gratitude with an eco-friendly gift. Potted plants or seed packets are a great, practical gesture to your guests (and contain no plastic). Alternatively, giving reusable goodies are a great way to communicate to your guests that you are committed to our environment. Reusable bags, reusable straws packs and reusable bottles are all affordable, sustainable gifts.
Plastic food packaging is one of the main contributors to plastic waste at weddings. Do your research, and find a catering company whose values align with yours. Speak to them about your plans for a plastic-free wedding, and see how they can support you. If you are sourcing your own wedding food, look for local farmer's markets and bulk food stores to reduce the packaging.
After your wedding is finished, have a back-up plan if there is leftover food, we don’t want it going to landfill. Whether you donate the food, give it away to guests or have a compost system in place, do what works for you!
By taking small steps and swaps, you can have a plastic-free and eco wedding! Do you have any tips on planning a plastic-free or eco friendly wedding? Tell us in the comments below!
Type in your search terms and click ENTER / RETURN to search our website.
