In our Autumn 2017 issue of South African Wedding Inspirations, WI looks at some of the hottest wedding trends of the year. Going green is one of those hot trends – being a mindful bride who takes steps to make sure that your wedding treads lightly on the earth. The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) is a team dedicated to increasing eco-behaviours and glass recycling in South Africa, and they believe there are many ways you can host green celebration. Here are some tips to help you become an eco-bride:
Ensure your venue recycles. Ask ahead of time if they separate waste, such as glass bottles which can be easily recycled infinitely. Venues should have a glass bank or glass bins for empty champagne, wine and beer bottles (venues can apply for a glass bank here)
Reuse waste in a creative way. Think of clever décor ideas such as reusing glass bottles and jars that can be recycled after the event
Consider trendy glass jars to serve your cocktails, but be sure to use paper rather than plastic straws
Hire décor, don’t buy unnecessary items
Minimise your use of throw-away water bottles, choose reusable glass bottles or jugs of water on tables
Use local flora that is in season to avoid using imported flowers and consider greenery rather than expensive flowers
Think eco-wedding favours, consider tree saplings or succulents in glass jars as living gifts or consider a packet of seeds or seed paper for your thank you notes,
Consider a donation in lieu of favours to your favourite environmental organisation; Green Beings for instance do amazing education programmes teaching communities about eco-behaviours
Why not opt for an indigenous tree-planting during or after your ceremony – very romantic and doubling up on green points
Make sure your venue composts their food waste – keeping their gardens lush and green at the same time
Be sure to use biodegradable confetti, such as potpourri, bird seed, petals or herbs
Think local – rather than hosting a destination wedding, consider a venue close to home allowing guests to car pool rather than fly, reducing their carbon footprint
At the very least, be sure your venue recycles! For tips and advice on recycling find TGRC on Facebook or visit their website
For more great advice about the going green at your wedding, pick up a copy of the Autumn 2017 edition of South African Wedding Inspirations, on sale now nationwide at Pick ‘n Pay stores, CNA, Exclusive Books, PNA, Clicks and Dis-Chem, as well as selected SPAR supermarkets and independent retailers.