HOW TO PLAN AN ECOLOGICALLY CORRECT WEDDING

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 14, 1993                   TAG: 9304140256
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Diane MacEachern
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
HOW TO PLAN AN ECOLOGICALLY CORRECT WEDDING
Q: Do you have suggestions for an "ecologically correct wedding?"
A: Print wedding invitations and write thank-you notes on recycled paper.
In place of the typical evening reception, if you expect the weather to be pleasant, hold the wedding and reception during the day, in a spot where guests can principally be outdoors, to reduce lighting needs and save energy. At the reception, use cloth napkins rather than paper ones, and reusable plates, glasses and silverware instead of throwaways. Arrange for all beverage bottles and cans to be recycled.
Instead of using a gas-guzzling limousine (which may get only 15 miles to a gallon), drive a fuel-efficient car (one that gets at least 27.5 miles per gallon). Encourage guests to car pool. Hold the wedding ceremony and reception in close proximity to each other to reduce transportation needs.
Serve organically grown fruits and vegetables and organically raised poultry or meat.
"Register" for gifts at the nearest environmental store, or ask your friends and family to select items from a favorite mail-order environmental catalog. Request glassware, dishes and utensils made from recycled materials. Ask for a set of faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads, and tablecloths and lines made from organically grown, unbleached cotton.
Friends could pitch in for a "big ticket" item such as a bicycle that can be used for commuting as well as recreation.
Or instead of a gift, ask your friends to plant a tree or have a tree planted for you. Other ideas: a family membership in an environmental organization; the services of a gardener for a day to help plan and put in an organic garden; a cooking lesson from a chef who specializes in vegetarian cuisine, along with a comprehensive cookbook on vegetarian cooking; a gift certificate to a food co-op, natural foods store or grocery store that carries organically grown fruits and vegetables; a car tuneup from a shop that recycles all motor oil, antifreeze and air conditioner CFCs.
Plan a low-impact honeymoon: Hike, bike or camp instead of taking a trip that requires you to drive or fly a lot. Washington Post Writers Group

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB