Issues > May/June 2007 (#120) > The Three R's of Wedded Bliss

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about MAUREEN RYAN

Maureen Ryan is a freelance writer living in Chicago. Her work has appeared in the Boston Globe, the New York Post, Time Out New York and Natural Health magazine, among other publications.

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Photo: The Three R's of Wedded Bliss

Looking Good

Polar Bear Diamonds sells Canadian diamonds mined in strict adherence to worker and environmental protection laws (www.polarbeardiamond.com, 877-861-6675). GreenKarat's Celestial Love band contains recycled platinum ($425), and the Gatsby Redux diamond engagement ring and matching band, with synthetic gems, are cast in either recycled gold or recycled platinum ($1,350; www.greenkarat.com, 800-330-4605).

Wear an organic cotton, hemp, recycled-textile or cruelty-free silk dress, such as those sold by Wholly Jo's (www.wholly-jo.co.uk) and www.mycorset.com (512-762-2918); Rawganique offers organic hemp and linen dresses and shirts (for men) (www.rawganique.com, 877-RAW-HEMP). "Once worn" gowns donated to the I Do Foundation are resold, and 20 percent of the profits go to the charity of your choice (www.idofoundation.org). Underneath, feel sexy with Ciel's organic-cotton underwear collection (www.thenaturalstore.co.uk).

For safer cosmetics, see the new Cosmetics Product Report at www.thegreenguide.com/reports.

X Marks the Spot

An obvious destination for a green wedding is outdoors—in a park, a backyard, on a beach or even in an organic garden. Find gardens through Local Harvest (www.localharvest.org) or the Organic Trade Association (www.ota.com). If you're set on a hotel, Greenseal independently certifies lodgings based on rigorous criteria, including recycling policies and energy-efficient appliances (www.greenseal.org).

Historic buildings and museums that belong to non-profits are popular as well. Remember: Having one location for your ceremony and your reception cuts down on fossil-fuel use and pollution.

Set the Mood

Create ambience by using renewable soy or beeswax candles with lead-free wicks, such as the soy candles from Way Out Wax (www.wayoutwax.com, 888-727-1903). Find beeswax tapers at your local farmer's market or through Cottage Stillroom (www.cottagestillroom.com, 800-395-BSWX) and the Beeswax Candle Company (www.beeswaxcandleco.com, 866-724-9300).

Locally grown flowers cut down on shipping pollution. Otherwise, California Organic Flowers (www.californiaorganicflowers.com, 530-891-6265) and Organic Bouquet (www.organicbouquet.com, 877-899-2468) ship nationwide and sell flowers certified by Veriflora, which prohibits pesticides and promotes worker welfare.

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Filed under: Holidays, Gifts, Green living, Entertaining, Parties and Events

Green Guide 120 | May/June 2007 | For Yourself