Wedding Bells

Green Living Ideas

Vow to do your part for the environment by incorporating these earth-friendly tips into your newlywed lifestyle. By Sara Duck

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With the wedding over, you have hit full newlywed mode—decorating your new nest, entertaining with mates and spending lots of quality time with the mister! Chances are, your super-busy itinerary hasn’t allowed you to think about creating a home that is eco-friendly. While you consider yourselves a couple that is worldly and up-to-date with global concerns, you haven’t sat down to talk about what you can do as a couple for the environment. Don’t panic! We asked Jaye Marsh Graham, Toronto-based event director of It’s Personal! Occasions and producer of Canada’s Eco Wedding & Lifestyle Show, to dish out some easy peasy earth-saving ideas. Get inspired to make a difference and pave the way for future generations like your kids (wink, wink).

Transportation
From hybrid vehicles and Vespa scooters, to public transportation and bicycles, there are plenty of ways to reduce greenhouse gases and save money at the same time. If living without a car is not an option, Marsh Graham suggests making an environmental compromise by having only one car per family.

Kitchen
Vintage glasses and wooden bowls are just a couple of cool green ways to add flair to your kitchen style. If you’re on the hunt for shiny new appliances, look out for the energy star symbol, which represents Canada’s seal of approval on the most energy-efficient models. These models help to save the environment and reduce your energy bill, too.

Groceries
“Make it a weekend ritual to head out to your local farmers’ market with your hubby and peruse all the yummy food alfresco,” exclaims Marsh Graham. Don’t forget to say no to plastic and bring your earth-friendly shopping bags!

Cleaning
Get rid of toxic cleaning supplies and opt for biodegradable and natural products, which are better for your health, the environment and will still keep your house squeaky clean. Reduce your household waste by using towels and sponges instead of paper towel.

Laundry
Instead of tossing your clothes in the dryer, hang them out to dry naturally in your back yard. Not only will you save on electricity but your clothes will get embedded with that amazing fresh air scent—even the most expensive fabric softeners can’t top that.

Entertaining
As you start to organize your next dinner party, Marsh Graham suggests creating a menu based on locally sourced food and wine. Serve your gourmet fodder on your china instead of plastic plates and cutlery. When it comes to inviting guests, skip the card and envelope and use a super cool e-invite. It’s green and convenient!

Anniversary
Commemorate your first year of marriage by planting a tree in your backyard. Or instead of buying presents for each other, do nice things for your community such as donating or volunteering your time at your local food bank or a homeless shelter.

Clothes
“Next time you hit the shops, check the clothing labels for eco, organic, fair-trade and locally made garments,” says Marsh Graham. If you’re a big label lover, check out Stella McCartney’s planet-friendly clothing line. Her amazing designs (no leather or fur is ever used) are all about respecting nature, whether it’s saving animals or sustaining the planet.

Beauty and Grooming
Making a green statement with your personal care has never been easier. There are many options available to help you and your hubby go planet friendly—covering all your bases from all-natural shampoos to organic body lotion and even shaving cream.

Travel
Plan an eco-holiday where you and your beloved choose activities that are based on nature, culture and help to contribute to the conservation of local heritage and environment. Choose a hotel that incorporates eco practices such as not changing bed linens every day, recycling and low-flow showerheads.

For more information about Jaye Marsh Graham visit itspersonal.ca, ecoweddingshow.com or call 416-827-6510.