ILEA NCC event on sustainability.
How can the wedding industry be more sustainable and eco-friendly?
Last month, we attended an educational event that was hosted by ILEA NCC, focusing on best practices for sustainability in the wedding industry. The good news is that there are plenty of eco-friendly options available to you.
Here are the top 10 ways to be eco-friendly while planning a wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area:
Ask your venue how they practice sustainability: If enough couples ask venues about sustainability, venues will start to compete in the marketplace for eco-friendly couples. Thankfully, there are many wedding venues in the Bay Area that are committed to sustainability, from LEED-certified buildings to outdoor spaces that utilize natural light and renewable energy. We recommend Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California, as a leader on this front. In addition to have organic gardens and a whole team that is dedicated to environmental protections for their grounds, they also have a culture that is eco-conscious. Learn more about Filoli here: www.filoli.org
Use recycled paper for invitations: Consider using recycled paper for your wedding invitations, or go digital with e-invitations to save on paper waste.
Rent your wedding attire: Instead of purchasing brand new wedding attire, consider renting or borrowing dresses, suits, or accessories for the big day.
Opt for eco-friendly florals: Choose flowers that are locally sourced and in season to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. You can also look for florists who use sustainable growing practices.
Serve organic and locally sourced food: Choose a caterer who uses organic and locally sourced ingredients to reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses. Serving an all-vegetarian meal will reduce your carbon footprint by 50% or more. You can also limit the size and types of meats offered to your guests.
Reduce food waste: Work with your caterer or wedding planner to reduce food waste by accurately estimating your guest count and donating any leftover food to local food banks.
Skip the single-use plastics: Avoid using single-use plastics, like plastic utensils or straws, at your wedding. Instead, opt for compostable or reusable options.
Use eco-friendly decorations: Choose decorations that are eco-friendly, like LED lights, repurposed wood or paper, and potted plants.
Select vendors who share your values and will amplify them on social media: As a wedding videographer in the SF Bay Area, we feel lucky to film many couples who are trying their best to be conscious about environmental concerns. We love to tell that story. We’ve also been lucky to encounter other vendors who promote these values in their brands, as well. For a great example of an eco-forward company, check out Brannan Events & Design: https://brannanevents.com/
Avoid Saran Wrap: Use beeswax wraps or reusable containers to store leftovers instead of using Saran Wrap, which can take up to 500 years to decompose. During our above-mentioned educational event in San Francisco, one of the speakers was from Recology Waste Management, and she emphasized how saran wrap can be detrimental to the recycling sorting machines that the city uses to recycle trash.
If you're looking for more resources on sustainability in the San Francisco Bay Area, be sure to check out Recology, a local waste management company committed to sustainability and reducing waste in the community: https://www.recology.com/