This is possibly the most simple and compelling message I’ve heard to encourage each and every one of us to take action in combating climate change. Please take a few minutes to hear the message. And, please pass it on. I think it’s worth it.
Also, as a follow up to the Green Challenge, I’ve summarized some ideas that planners can incorporate into their daily business lives to make a difference. It was hard to select only one from each of the posts – there were just so many wonderful ideas. Thank you to all who participated in the challenge!
I use email as much as possible instead of sending out printed, paper letters.
– Planning Forever
I schedule appointments in similar areas on the same days. Tomorrow I’ll be in Arlington for three appointments then in Alexandria for two the next day. This reduces the distance I need to drive and as a bonus, saves me some cash on gasoline 🙂
– Soiree Special Events
I also love to visit Half Price Books. Not only can you purchase gently used books and magazines, but you are able to sell your reading material when you are done so someone else can enjoy it rather than having it take up landfill space!
Note: This should be applicable to reference books for your business and for your clients.
– Lucky Me!
It is definitely more eco-friendly to have your wedding and your reception in the same location (or walkable). Check with the Green Hotel Association to see if your favorite spot is green. If you have to travel from point A to point B, see if your city has eco-limos for your bridal party and set up carpooling for your guests. While planning your honeymoon, check out Eco Resorts…the greatest source for environmentally friendly (and still completely decadent) vacations.
– Style Me Pretty
I have converted every light bulb in my studio and home to a more energy efficient bulb. This doesn’t sound like a big deal, but I have a LOT of lights in my studio.
– Anna Bella Stationery
I try to multiply my efforts by blogging about green wedding ideas. Checkout my Green Wedding posts!
– Our Wedding Plus
We are opening a New (and this is the first public announcement) a new Green Division of MasterPiece Weddings, MasterPiece Weddings Green! We will be using Bamboo Linens for our clients, and offering Bamboo and Recycled other products, like paper products, flatware, and china! Be looking for it!
– Masterpiece Weddings
I make sure to turn off all electronics, computers, fans, lights, printers, speakers, air conditioning, heaters, t.v. etc…when I’m not in the room/not at home/outside, etc… I have to admit, I only do this about 90% of the time, but I can assure you when I leave the room and the fan is still on, a little nagging voice attacks my brain and I eventually go back and turn it off.
– Earth Friendly Weddings
As soon as my current cell phone provider takes the shackles off and releases me from my contract (2 more months and counting), I’m getting an iPhone. What will I do with my old one, RECYCLE it of course. If you have an old cell phone, I encourage you to support Earthworks and recycle your cell for free.
– Toast & Tables
The newest addition to my house is the ISOLE IDP-350 Powerstrip. It has the usual 8 surge-protected outlets… but six of these are motion censored. This is great because I can leave my computer on indefinitely… but the lamp, printer, radio, etc in my office only turn on when the motion is detected at my desk- now nifty is that?!?
– Oh Happy Blog!
I don’t leave my office to run a quick errand. I wait until I have at least 3 errands to run so that I don’t drive unnecessarily.
– Weddings by Socialites
I used to print out so many photos and put them in a journals and albums and scrapbooks. Each event has it’s own. Each category has it’s own. Now, I’m all organized on the computer. This blog has helped me categorize items. And, I’ll soon be communicating ideas and inspiration pictures to my clients over the web.
– Blush Events
My staff and I travel in no more than 3 cars on Wedding Day. Between my vehicle and those of my staff, we can accommodate travel of 18 people in 3 cars.
– Destination Soiree
I bought decorative accessories and favors that I liked and are less disposable than, say, a miniature porcelain basket. People snatched up most of the lanterns, fans (this was Florida, remember), and perfume vials, but I kept all the leftovers and now display them unobtrusively around my house. I didn’t feel bad about buying the charger plates because I’d wanted them anyway, which meant that they came home with me instead of ending up in the city dump.
– Manolo Brides
We occasionally buy bottled water but we use a water filter by PUR to purify our water. This saves money and saves on trash.
– Words from the Heart
We have a “use every paper twice” policy – I have a stack of halved 8 1/2 x 11 paper next to my desk that I use for notes, client consultation reminders, the occasional paper airplane (which gets notes on it too – so that’s actually 3 times!) and of course, to entertain my 3-year-olds when they are at the office (a frequent occurrence certain times of the year).
– The World According to Weddlady
Try to purchase products that do not contain a lot of packaging.
– Studio Julie
I recommend venues that are dedicated to sustainability (potential longevity of vital human ecological support systems, such as the planet’s climatic system, systems of agriculture, industry, forestry, and fisheries, and human communities in general and the various systems on which they depend).
– After Yes…
Buying locally. I’m trying to support local businesses as much as I can to reducing the amount of shipping/importing that an item has to go through. (Saves in fuel consumption and helps boost local artisans and other business peeps.)
– DIY Bride
I always use real dinnerware, glassware and table linens when entertaining. Once in a blue moon, I must confess that I used paper napkins to add decorative patterns
to my tabletop. But since I never use disposable tableware beside that, I think I can get away with this infraction.
– At Home with Kim Vallee
Walk / bike to work.
– Lana Stewart
We offer invitations with the highest percentages possible of recycled and sustainably harvested fibers, processed without the use of chlorine or chlorine derivatives.
– The Blog Essentials
At the office, instead of throwing away all the paper wasted on big poster jobs, I bring it to Ruby’s school for murals, they love it.
– Daisy Chain