BYO Vegan Makeup?

Question:
Hi Kate,

I am a vegan who tries lives as organically and ego-friendly as possible, and will be the Maid of Honor in my sister's wedding next May. Alas, my sister is not vegan, nor anyone else involved! I know that she is booking makeup and hair treatments for all the bridesmaids the day of the wedding... would it be appropriate to ask my stylist to only use vegan makeup on me, or, alternatively, to bring in my own vegan products for the stylists to work with? If yes, could you recommend a good makeup company? I use Gabriel cosmetics for every-day use, but have a feeling that is not glam enough for wedding-photo quality.

Thank you!

Rebecca

Answer:
HI Rebecca,

First, I think it is great that you are thinking about this. In addition to being tested on animals, many cosmetics contain animal-derived ingredients and are not suitable for vegans. I think it is perfectly appropriate to call ahead and ask the salon if they offer vegan or cruelty-free makeup options. If not, you should feel free to bring in whatever products you would like them to use. This practice is actually more common than you might imagine, as many people are allergic to certain ingredients or want to use their favorite lip color, nail color etc. Any stylist worth their salt will be able to make you look glamorous as long as you provide the basics. If you want to be safe, ask what types of makeup they usually emply (liquid foundation, bronzer, liners, etc.) and bring one of each. If you are willing to share, I would also let your fellow bridesmaids know about your plan - maybe they will even go in on a few of the items with you!

As for brands, there are a lot of great options out there and it really depends on your budget which ones make sense for you. I suggest taking a look at Beautorium - as they have a great selection of vegan choices. You can also peruse the list of companies that have taken a pledge against animal testing here.

Thanks again for writing, and I hope you will come back after the wedding and share pictures!

~Kate

Image:Danielle

How much will my wedding cost?

The average wedding in the United States costs about $27,000 - but how much is a green wedding?

There are so many different ways to have a green wedding that you cannot say off the bat that an eco-friendly wedding will cost more or less than a conventional wedding. It really depends on the choices you make along the way (which is why I offer options marked $, $$ and $$$ in each category in The Green Bride Guide book.) To be on the safe side, I would use a traditional budget calculator, and as you make your arrangements adjust up or down.

Here is a new easy tool to help you get started.

Powered by: CostofWedding.com

Natural Perfumes?

Image: Chessalee

Question:
Hi Kate,

I'm beginning a search for some natural beauty products (specifically perfume and an exfoliating body scrub) for my wedding. I've found a bunch of great websites and looked at products through your site, but I don't want to buy a perfume without being able to smell it in person. Could you recommend any common stores that carry all-natural beauty products? Do any national chains such as Sephora or Origins have anything decent?

Thanks so much!
Regan

Answer:
Hi Regan,

Thank you so much for writing. Many perfumes contain nasty ingredients so I think it is great you are trying to find a natural alternative.

I agree with you that perfumes have to be tried in person! Almost everything I try turns sickeningly sweet on me after five minutes so I am very picky.

To answer your question, there are no chain stores that I know of that have a robust selection. I know origins (as a company) has a good environmental reputation and now carries an organic line of skin care products, but I am not sure what is in their perfumes. It is certainly worth a trip to their store to find out if there is one near you. The same goes for Sephora.

Personally, I am fond of Pacifica Perfumes -they have rich spicy scents and you can use their store locator to find a store near you.

However, my favorite natural perfumery is Aftelier. They are NOT cheap, but they have amazing floral solid perfumes which are sold in a refillable compact. Aftelier allows you to order samples online -which, if used sparingly, can last a long time and are much more affordable.

I am sorry I can't offer more advice. I am posting your question here with the hope some of the other readers will chime in with suggestions.

When you do find something you love I hope you will come back and share!

All the best,

Kate

P.s. On the exfoliant question my favorite (after lots of testing) is the JASON Apricot Scrubble - it does not leave an oily residue on your skin and has a great grit!

Seed Paper Problems

Image: Grow-a-Note (Made in USA)

Hi Kate,

I think you have a site worth sharing. One huge problem though is all of your plantable paper. From an environmental point of view, it's a terrible idea. Most of it is made overseas, and while it is made from recycled content, it is largely sweat shopped. But worse yet is the invasive species angle. Seeds from where ever the paper is coming from don't belong where the invites are going. (Ever look in a seed catalog and notice that they won't ship some seeds to some places? This is why). While it is a cute idea, seeds from China don't belong in Chicago.

I've been making handmade paper for 11 years and talked to many botanists along the way and you won't find one who thinks seeded paper is a good idea.

All the best...
Chuck

Answer
Hi Chuck,

I have reprinted your e-mail to me because you raise a very important point that I talk about in The Green Bride Guide, but have not mentioned on this site yet. Whenever you give guests trees, seed packets or seed imbued paper you should include a note about which region of the country they can be planted in. If your guest lives outside the plant's natural range the seeds should only be germinated indoors.

To find out which trees are native to your region type your zip code into the "buy a tree" page at the National Arbor Day Foundation.

For seeds, check out the map at American Meadows.

For seed paper, unless the company specifies the species, always advise your guests to plant your cards, programs, etc. in indoor pots. (This can be accomplished with a small "please plant inside" note on the back of the card).

While I am talking about seeds I want to mention that the same rule applies for birdseed as well. Many couples now toss birdseed instead of rice. If you do this, be sure to buy a seed mix that is native to your area. Seeds that go uneaten can germinate and wreak havoc on native species.

To tackle the sweatshop issue, whenever possible I suggest purchasing locally produced seed paper or fair trade seed paper. (You can find both in the eco-products section of this website). If you are not sure, contact the company directly before buying. You can also make your own seed paper using a simple paper making kit.

Bottled Water?

Hi Kate,

I know that bottled water is not eco-friendly, but it is so convenient. Is there a green option that makes sense?

Thanks,

Pam

Answer

Hi Pam,

Thank you for writing. I talk about bottled water in the Guest Comfort section of The Green Bride Guide, because your question highlights a common dilemma.

The following an excerpt from an entry I wrote for Get Married. It starts with a quick review of the environmental impacts of bottle water and offers a few green solutions. Hope it helps!

Quick Bottled Water Facts

Energy use - According to The Container Recycling Institute the amount of energy it take to make the 8.25 billion gallons of bottled water Americans drink each year could provide enough electricity for 250,000 homes or could fuel 100,000 cars.

Landfill space - Despite our best efforts, 4 out of 5 bottles end up in the landfill.

Image from www.blueorchidblog.com

Safety - Bottled water is actually less safe than tap water in most parts of the country. Tap water is regulated by the FDA but most bottled water isn't. One study by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that almost one-third bottled water contains contaminants (including synthetic chemicals, bacteria, and arsenic).

What You Can Do

Offer pitchers of water to your guests - it is more elegant, more eco-friendly and less expensive. Have your caterer add fresh slices of organic lemon, lime, or cucumber for a fresh summer taste.

Image from The Kitchn

If you want to give your guests bottle water, pick brands that use corn-based plastic like Belu and Biota or companies that are giving back, like Ethos (which donates five cents per bottle to charity). Whatever bottles you use - make sure someone is in charge of collecting and recycling them after the event.

Sustainable Choices

Question

Dear Kate,

Right now, we are in the stage of planning where we are looking for a florist, and subsequently ideas for centerpieces and bouquets, and we're also beginning to look for invitations. Do you have any advice on how to ensure green centerpieces, bouquets and invitations? Thanks so much!

B'Shalom,
Gail

Answer
Hi Gail,

First, if you have not already, I recommend taking a look in the interactive look book. There you can find hundreds of links to vendors that offer environmentally friendly invitations, flowers and centerpieces. If you are crafty and want to make invitations I also recommend looking in the DIY section.

If you want to use local flowers, you can check local harvest to find growers, or call around and see if any of the florists in your area are able to use local, seasonal and organic blooms. For centerpieces consider potted plants, or baskets of sustainable treats.

Finally, to answer your general question - the best way to avoid "greenwashing" and to find reliable eco-friendly products is to rely on certifying agencies (e.g. USDA organic food, FSC certified wood products, or Fair Trade Certified favors). When dealing with local companies or vendors I think the easiest way to tell if they are green is to just ask questions. Ask potential florists where they source their flowers from, whether they can avoid using disposable florist tape and foam, and if they can donate the flowers for you after the celebration. Ask caterers where they get their meat, what they do with empty can and bottles, and whether they can compost or donate leftovers. In my experience, companies and people who are committed to being green will be eager to talk about these details - while companies that are hoping to sneak through with an eco-sounding name will try to change the topic quickly. Go with the gut.

That said, if you have a particular theme or item in mind and want specific suggestions please let me know - I am more than happy to help!

Wishing you all the best,

Kate

Donating Flowers

Question:
Hi,
Thank you so much for your green guide--I am really learning a lot.
I would like to know about how to find a service that will pick up flowers and take them to nursing homes or hospitals. I live in LA and am getting married in Malibu.

Any help is most appreciated!
Thank you!
Lisa Riccomini

Answer:
Hi Lisa,

As far as I know there are no groups or service providers out there who do this (if anyone reading this knows of one please comment below!). However, you still have a few options.

First, it is not uncommon for florists to take on this role, and if you have not signed a florist contract yet, or even if you have, see if your florist is willing to pick up and deliver the flowers to a worthy cause after the big day. Many florists already have relationships with charities and deliver leftover flowers as a matter of course.

Alternatively you can ask a friend or relative to take on the task. Make a few phone calls (or ask your friend or family member to make the calls) to hospitals, nursing homes, and other charities in the area and see if they are willing to accept flower donations so you/they can make the proper arrangements (no pun intended).

I hope you will come back and let us know what you were able to work out (and share pictures of your flowers!).

Lots of luck and congratulations,

Kate

Green Wedding Shower

Question:
A friend is getting married and we want to throw a green theme shower. Any ideas on how to write that in the invitation without sounding too quirky? We were thinking the theme should be green gifts but I don't want people to think literally the color green, "eco-friendly" is it...

Thanks so much,
Mira Duncan

Answer:
Hi Mira!

First, I think throwing a green shower is a wonderful idea and so much fun! My mother hosted a green shower for me and you are right to worry about the "confusion" (see picture below). Not that there is anything wrong with a green "green" shower, but if you want to throw an eco-friendly event I recommend using some of the many synonyms out there including: eco-friendly (as you suggest), sustainable, environmentally friendly, and organic when describing your objective. I also suggest including some examples of "green" gifts that might be appropriate to help people who do not know what to look for. I have included a number of items and companies in the look book that might work. Please let me know if you are looking for a green version of anything in particular. As the website is so new I only have a small fraction of the green products I recommend in the book up online.

Have a wonderful time at the shower! I hope you will come back and share your pictures afterward...

All the best,

Kate

Looking for shower game ideas?

(Print at home on recycled paper)

Seasonal Flowers

Qusstion:

HI Kate,

Did you ever do a breakdown of flowers by season and region?
I am trying desperatly to pair what I want with what is available locally in season in Connecticut in September and it seems to be the hardest part of my search. I am finally begining to work with a florist who is hopefully going to be able to guide me in the right direction, but I wanted to be able to send her some flower ideas I was interested in that were good eco-choices. Any ideas?

Thanks!
-Lindsay

Answer:

Thanks for the great question Linsday! Because what is available varies significantly by region and season, I recommend using a floral chart - like the one available at Bliss Wedding Floral. While it only offers a limited list, it allows you to search by region + season and shows color pictures of the blooms (which is key). Also take a peak at the Wedding Flowers Guide which has a slightly more detailed list. You can see a picture of a bouquet with roses and dahlias (two of the flowers they suggest for fall in New England) in the look book.

Another great option is to browse a comprehensive list for another region like the fabulous one for California put out by the California Cut Flower Commission and ask you florist what she can get in CT.

For in situ inspiration - it is worth looking at floral books, and a number now discuss seasonal options (like Wedding Flower by Paul Pryke). I recommend popping into a book store so you can browse more thoroughly.


Finally, contact a local farm via Local Harvest and see what they sell during that time of year.

I can't wait to see the results.

Good luck and all the best,

Kate

Legal Eagle

Question:
Hey Kate,

I read in your bio that you are in law school and was wondering if your background in law has any relevance to the book. Most of the wedding books are written by planners so I thought this was interesting.

Answer:
What a unique question - thanks for writing! My real interest in green weddings comes from my background in environmental conservation and sustainable development. However, my legal education certainly played a role in the book writing process.

First of all, law school has taught me to be extremely disciplined, organized, and thorough, and I think you will find that The Green Bride Guide is the most comprehensive resource on the market because of that.

Also - my legal background gave me access to information and made me aware of legal issues that might not occur to many wedding planners. Although The Green Bride Guide is not a legal book and does not give direct legal advice, I did do legal research for the project and have included general advice on topics related to law in the book and on this website.

For example - based on research and experience I have included a piece on what to include in a florist contract in the Quick Guides section.

I have also included lots of information about relevant laws and policies (e.g. bans on balloon releases, the need to acquire certain permits or permissions, types of trip insurance, etc.). I think this information enriches the book and makes it a more useful tool. I look forward to hearing what you think in December!

Epicurean adventures

Question: Hi Kate, My fiance and I are thinking about doing a food-based trip for our honeymoon. Do you have any suggestions? Thnx

Answer:
Food Tourism is becoming increasingly popular and it is no surprise. One of the best parts of traveling abroad is enjoying the local cuisine. (I still fondly recall a raspberry pastry I ate in France almost a decade ago!). There are many different kinds of culinary adventures to choose from, but here is a quick list of options to get you started.

- Interested in going to India and/or Malaysia to taste a wide range of vegetarian foods? Check out the vegetarian culinary tours offered by Veg Voyages.

- Want to participate in a cooking workshop where you learn to prepare local delicacies? Consider a hands-on culinary adventure with The International Kitchen.

- Do you and your spouse want to go on a more activity-based trip, like skiing in Europe or cycling in England but want specialty diet foods along the way? Check out the vegetarian organic food vacations offered by Vegetarian Vacations.

- Want to stay closer to home? Why not try a culinary/yoga retreat with the Conscious Gourmet and learn to prepare vegetarian, low-carb, or raw foods - or sign up for a several day workshop in Colorado with A Cooks Kitchen.

You can also do what my husband and I did and find a one day workshop in almost any country or major city with the help of google. It is a nice way to spend a day of your vacation!

Finding Local Vendors

Question:
Hi Kate,
I am having trouble finding environmentally friendly vendors in my area for apparel, invitations, favors, etc. It seems green weddings are a pretty big deal on the west coast, and in larger cities, but if I were to ship those things here, the energy used in their arrival would pretty much defeat the purpose. Are you aware of anyone who can help me within fifty or so miles of XXXX, Ohio? I feel kind of stuck here... Thanks for your time.

Answer:
You bring up a problem that a lot of couples and wedding planners face. While it is harder to find green vendors and products outside major metropolitan areas it is not impossible. Here is what I recommend:

1. Flowers - You can often find organic farms and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) projects that grow organic or pesticide-free flowers in your region at Local Harvest. The next best option is buy certified organic blooms from a company listed on the Veriflora website. Although they will have to be shipped to you, which requires additional fuel as you note, there is an argument to be made that organic flowers shipped from California do less environmental damage than flowers that are conventionally grown locally (a process that requires petroleum based fertilizers and toxic pesticides and herbicides = all inputs that have to be transported to the farm and pollute the local environment).

2. Food - Local Harvest is a good way to find local organic ingredients if you plan to cook or bake yourself. You can find a list of green restaurants by state on The Green Restaurant Association Website. For green hotels and other venues try the Green Hotel Association website.

3. Clothing + Invitations. These items are a bit trickier. I have begun to list green clothing designers and wedding invitation companies in the interactive look book. You can always buy natural fabric (organic cotton, hemp, tencel) from a local fabric store and ask a local designer to create something. You can also find wonderful used dresses at thrift stores, consignment shops and online (see eBay for example). For invitations you can recycle paper you have laying around your house, make your own paper or go virtual.

4. Favors - Favors are a great place to include local delicacies. Maple syrup from a local farm, hot sauces, handmade soaps - almost anything can be tuned into a favor if presented properly. Work with local artisans and farms in your area to come up with something unique. If you are worried about shipping - but want to use something from out-of-state - consider choosing something light weight that also reduces green house gases (see the seed or tree favors page for examples).

5. More ideas - I would also recommend looking at what eco-conscious vendors are listed in your area in the Co-op America's Green Pages. Portovert's wedding guide can also be helpful (although they do not have anything for Ohio yet). It is also worth Googling terms like "green weddings Ohio" - which led me to the article Great Ideas for a Green Wedding Ohio that lists some additional green businesses.

Hope this helps!

Is there a green way to physically arrange your ceremony?

Question: It is my opinion that because green ceremonies are about the earth and nature that a green ceremony should be really inclusive and have people all around you like a play in the round. What do you think? ~ Amy in CA

Answer: I do not think there is any "right" way to lay out your ceremony, and the best set up will depend on how many people you have and the venue. Most ceremonies are set up in classic play or stage formation and in some religions the aisle marks the center of two codified sides (the bride’s side and the groom’s side). If you are having a green church or synagog wedding, a ceremony in the round may not be feasible, and if you are having an outdoor wedding, it may not be desirable.

If you have any control, it is nice to face your guests (or at least to stand facing each other with your profiles in view) during the ceremony so your guests don’t spend the whole time looking at your tushies and the face of your officiant. Your guests are there to see you—so don’t hide the ball! If you want to have a ceremony in the round, see if you can have different parts of the ceremony take place facing different directions, so everyone feels included.

No matter which formation you choose, make sure to discuss the ceremony set up with your musicians ahead of time so they can make sure your guests will be able to hear them no matter where they are located.

I would also recommend greening your ceremony in other way - both with eco-decor and by incorporating your environmental values into your vows and ceremony. To that end, I recommend getting a wedding vow book to get you started as well as a book of nature poems or quips (I have added links to a few popular ones below).

Eco-engagement Ring?

Question:

Hi Kate,

I saw the movie Blood Diamond and have decided I definitely do NOT want a traditional diamond now! My fiance and I were planning to buy a Canadian diamond ring, but now my friends are saying that there is no such thing as an eco-friendly diamond and no matter what metal you use you are harming the earth. Is this true? Thanks!

Answer:

First, thank you for taking the time to write me. Sometimes it is easy to get bogged down and give up when the best "green" choice feels like a moving target and it is great that you are asking the qestion. Let me tackle one issue at a time. First, Canadian diamonds are definitely better than African diamonds when it comes to human rights (as portrayed in the movie Blood Diamond as you mention).

If you are interested in learning more about the impact of the diamond trade in Africa, the journalist Greg Campbell recently published the book Blood Diamonds.


According to Amnesty International, the sale of blood diamonds has contributed to the death of 3.7 million people in Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Canadian Diamonds are mined under strict environmental standards - but they are still mined. Greenkarat, a leading eco-jeweler claims that polar diamonds are not green and are not conflict free. Click here to read the article from their website. Therefore, the best option is to use antique/pre-owned diamonds (a form of recycling). Try the Antique Jewelry Exchange for example. You should also consider buying a man-made or manufactured diamond, a CZ Ring,
or a ring that features an alternative element - like a piece of sea glass.

As for the metal, I recommend looking at the website No Dirty Gold for more information about the impacts of mining. As with diamonds (or other gemstones) try to use recycled or reclaimed metal whenever possible. See if you can convince a jeweler to melt down something you have in the family or choose a company, like Greenkarat that uses recycled metals to craft all of their rings.

Eco-Resort Suggestion

Question: My soon-to-be husband and I really want to go to a resort for our honeymoon. I saw a documentary saying they were "bad" for the environment but am hoping you can suggest a place that will meet our needs to have an all-inclusive experience.

Answer: While there are several problems with traditional resorts (pollution, labor pratices, etc.) - the good news is that the number of resorts going green is growing every day. For example, Sandals Resorts recently became Green Globe certified. They offer all-inclusive beach vacations and wedding packages. (I plan to visit in May 2008 so I can report first hand about their green practices - check back to see what I find!).



I also recommend checking out the eco-resorts featured in Fodor’s Green Travel: The World's Best Eco-Lodges & Earth-Friendly Hotels or some of the fabulous looking destinations featured in Code Green.


Finally, you can search the database of the International Ecotourism Society.

What things need to go on my wedding website?

A wedding website is a wonderful "green" way to share information about your wedding. My husband and I use Wedding Window and were very happy with the results.




The following is taken from our new "Quick Guides" page.

Wedding Website - 11 Must Haves
1. Date, Time and Location. Make sure to include all the basic information about the wedding, including the date, time, and exact location (e.g. The Garrison Resort, the Wingate Room). Include information for all pre and post wedding events as well.

2. Transportation Options. Your website should have information about the closest airports, train stations and car rental companies. If you have set up a carpool website (see transportation section of chapter 7 in The Green Bride Guide) or contact person, include this information as well.

3. Driving Directions. Always include comprehensive driving directions along with a link to an interactive map service like Mapquest. Make sure to test the directions before you post them.

4. Contact Information. Make sure your website has contact information for the two of you (a.k.a. where to send gifts), and for any hotels, restaurants or other locations that you will be using for the wedding.

5. Lodging Options. It is polite to do the legwork for your guests and include a number of different lodging options in the area. Try to find a good range, from cheapy cheap to high-end. Many hotels will hold blocks of rooms for your party at a discount if you make arrangements ahead of time. Include a note (e.g. “be sure to mention you are with the Harrison-Muchnick party”) along with a contact person for each hotel and make sure to release any unbooked rooms before you are charged. The cut off date will be different for each place, but is usually several weeks before your wedding.

6. Schedule of Events. Especially if your wedding is a multi-day affair, be sure to include a comprehensive schedule of events with their location and start times. To see an example Click Here.

7. Dress Code. It is nice to include a quick note about appropriate attire so your guests can plan accordingly.

8. Packing List. Along the same lines as the dress code, consider including a packing list – especially if you are having a destination wedding or a multi-activity event.

9. Registry Information. Include a link to any registry sites you have set up, so guests know what to get you and don’t have to bother your mother or father.

10. Engagement Story. It is nice to add either your engagement story or the story of how you two met. This will give guests who do not know you or your fiancé well a chance to learn more about you and will give them something to talk about at the wedding.

11. Pictures. Pictures of the two of you, pictures of your families, pictures of the bridal party members with bios, pictures of the wedding site, really any and all pictures you want to include will make the website more interesting and fun!

On that note...

You mentioned that you can use the holidays to help you entertain and decorate - can you give some examples?

Sure! Hope this helps:

o New Years - Have your reception first and nuptials close to midnight. Make sure you have some way to see the ball drop.

o Easter – Have your wedding in a garden or tearoom, use locally grown lilies, give chocolate favors and have an Easter egg hunt.

o Fourth of July = This patriotic day is a fun time to have a period wedding in a historic building. Let the fireworks be your entertainment.

o Halloween – Have a costume party wedding. You can have a pumpkin carving contest during the afternoon and use the results as your centerpieces or as luminaries to light the walkway to the reception. Make your friends dance to Thriller, and let jars of Halloween candy do double duty as the favors.

o Thanksgiving = Thanksgiving is the perfect time to have a wedding if you want a small family affair because many families gather for the holiday anyway. Follow your nuptials with a blow out organic thanksgiving feast at a long banquet-style table. Have a table of seasonal pies instead of a cake.

o Chanukah = Use menorahs on every table to create festive lighting - give out bags of gelt and dreidels in lieu of favors.

o Christmas – Have your wedding in a fancy hotel in front of a huge Christmas tree. Use live fur trees at the tables decorated with candy canes. You can also hang ornaments with your guest’s names,which can act as place cards and take home favors. Don’t forget to have someone play Santa!

(Have more ideas you want to share? Please leave a comment!)

We want to take our dog on our honeymoon like you did - any advise?

According to an American Kennel Club survey, 18% of all dog owners (and 27% of dog owners under 30) report that they either have or would include their dog in their wedding ceremony. Many people, myself included, also take pets on their honeymoon with them. The hardest part is finding lodging. To find pet-friendly places to stay in the United States, search online or pick up one of the many pro-pet books out there, like 500 Places to Stay With Your Dog, put out by the Automobile Association (AA).


If you plan to fly with your pet or take an extended road trip, follow the five tips below, adapted from Travel Sense (www.travelsense.org) for a safe and healthy voyage:

● Get a check up. Before taking your pet on any significant journey, go to the vet for a full check up. Depending on where you are traveling, your pet may need additional shots or boosters to be safe. Some airlines and destinations require a clean bill of health dated no later than ten days prior to your trip, so try to schedule your vet visit as close to your departure date as possible. You may want to get a prescription for anti-anxiety pills or tranquilizers to make the trip less traumatic for your animal, so be sure to tell your vet about your travel plans.

● Paperwork. In addition to a clean bill of health, some states require pet entry permits. If you are traveling abroad, there may be automatic quarantine requirements, so be sure to contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for more information.

● Flying high. If you will be flying, try to book an uncrowded non-stop flight to your destination. Make sure your pet is wearing ID tags and bring color photos, in the off chance your pet gets lost along the way. Place food, a bottle of water, collapsible bowls and instructions in your pet’s carrying case incase there is a delay or unforeseen separation. Have the words “Live Animal” clearly printed on the outside of your pet’s kennel and make sure to thoroughly exercise, feed and water your pet as close to your boarding time as possible. Never bring a sick, pregnant or very young pet on a plane.

● In Cabin. If your pet is small, usually less than 15 pounds, you may be able to take it on the plane with you in an approved case tucked under the seat in front of you. This is less traumatic for your pet and assures that it will not get lost and will not be subjected to extreme temperatures. You may have to pay an extra fee and make advanced arrangements, so be sure to tell your travel agent or to book online with an airline that allows pets to travel onboard.

● Car Travel. Sadly, many pets die every year from heatstroke after being left in unventilated cars. In hot weather, it does not take long for the inside of a car to heat up to dangerous levels. Always park in the shade, keep the windows cracked open and provide your pet with plenty of water when you are out of the vehicle. Cold weather can also be dangerous and it is unwise to leave a pet alone in a cold car for long.

We are interested in taking a Volunteer Honeymoon but don't know where to start - help!

What a great thing to do! I hope this excerpt from my book helps:

Volunteer Vacation
While definitely not for everyone, a great way to make a difference while getting to travel abroad is to take a volunteer vacation (as an added bonus, most trips are either heavily subsidized or are tax deductible). Companies like Cross Cultural Solutions do not require any previous experience and offer 1 to 12 week programs working in clinics, homes for the elderly, schools and day care centers around the globe. For slightly pricier but extremely exciting trips, look at the Earth Watch Institute expeditions page, where you can search by date and continent to find a wide range of trips, from collecting butterfly data in Vietnam to documenting folk song sand dance in Russia. Along similar lines, the fair trade site Global Exchange offers reasonably priced educational “Reality Tours” to politically complex countries like Cuba, Brazil and China and, for the brave of heart, volatile areas like Iran, Afghanistan and North Korea. Finally, Cheap Tickets offers a number of Volunteer Vacation deals which you can view by clicking here :Cheaptickets Volunteer Vacations.

I want to use eBay but am worried about it - do you have any tips?

Although it may feel overwhelming if you have never used it before, eBay is an incredible resource, especially for buying vintage or pre-worn items. (To see the pair of Vera Wang shoes I bought on eBay for my wedding click here) To ensure you have a good experience, always do the following:

Research. Before buying anything on eBay you should research the item’s retail price. Then consider the eBay listing closely. Make sure you read the item description and return policy carefully and double check the shipping costs, because they are often higher than you would expect. Look at the seller’s rating and only buy from sellers with positive feedback in the high nineties. Contact the seller if you have any questions or would like more information about an item (for example, check to make sure the item comes from a non-smoking home or it will almost certainly smell upon arrival). Watch out for items that say, “reserve not met yet.” Even if you win the item, if there is a reserve that has not been met you have not really “won” and the seller is not under any obligation to give the item to you.

Evaluate. Think carefully about how much you want an item and what you are really willing to pay for it. It is almost impossible to undo a bid without repercussions once it is placed, and if you underbid and the item goes to another person you may be very disappointed. If you really love something, consider the “buy it now” option if there is one, which may cost a little bit more, but ensures the sale (this option disappears from a listing as soon as someone bids). To further decrease your environmental impact, you can sort identical items by distance and choose the one that is closest to home, which can also decrease the cost of shipping.

Payment. Make sure you will be in town and able to get online within a day or two of the auction’s end, as sellers can re-list an item if they do not receive prompt payment from you. Set up a Paypal account because some sellers do not accept other forms of payment, and it allows you to pay with a visa or bank account instead of a check. Paypal also has a protection plan incase the item does not arrive in good condition.

If you are interested in buying or selling wedding wares I also recommend checking out the new site which is like an eBay or Craigslist just for weddings: Recycle Your Wedding <--- Click Here

Gifts for Teens?

It has become common (although not required) for couples to give the members of their wedding party thank you gifts. If you have any teen attendants, this means trying to figure out what "green" things teens these days are into. Having several teen nieces and nephews in my family, I decided to ask around. Here are a few of the sure fire favorites.

1. Recycled Messenger Bags. Cool at any age. Good for boys and girls - or ehem - young men and women. (Image is link)


2. A Recycled Wrapper Clutch. Probably only good for the young ladies. Colorful and fun - turning bubble gum wrappers into something mature. (Image is link)


3. A Recycled Can Wallet (sticking with the bag theme) - how can you not love it?


4. Anything with a bike chain - they are edgy. See Recycled Items and search for the item below.


5. Sports equipment - now you can find a Fair Trade Soccer Ball.


6. Things made from Elephant Poop.


7. A T-shirt with a message (made in USA).


Update: April 8th, 2008 - I have included these items along with many others on the new "interactive look book" Teen and Tween page.

Where can I find recycled paper invitations?

Did you know that for every ton of paper that is recycled, we save 17 tress, 380 gallons of oil, 4,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, 7,000 gallons of water, and 60 pounds of air pollution from being released into the environment? It's a lot right? They key is finding invitations that have been crafted from post-consumer waste (PCW) paper as opposed to regular recycled paper which is made from leftover paper from the processing plant (most of which would have been re-pulped anyway).

The good news is that the number of vendors offering recycled paper invitations is growing every day. If you want to do the assembly at home, Twisted Limb Paper has a number of styles (see example in top right photo). Naturally Ever After offers paper with 30% PCW, and Green Field Paper Company has some beautiful designs (see top left photo).

What are some "green" forms of transportation?

Every gallon of gasoline burned releases 19.4 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere so it is important to think about alternative forms of transportation on your big day. Here are a few ideas:

(1) The easiest way to decrease the transportation emissions from your event is to have your wedding in a centralized location so your guests do not have to travel as far to get there.

(2) You can use services like Trip Hub to help guests organize carpooling.

(3) You can rent a bus or van to bring everyone who lives in one area together (a Philadelphia bus, a New York bus etc.).

(4) Ask your guests to take public transportation and offer a shuttle from the nearest bus or train station.

(5) Rent a hybrid. If you or your guests have to rent cars see if you can get hybrids or alternative fuel vehicles. Enterprise now offers the Toyota Prius at some of its locations. If you live in California or Arizona try EvRental. If you are in Hawaii you can use Bio-Beetle.

Get a free upgrade on your next rental at Enterprise.com

(6) See if you can arrange for non-motored transportation, like pedi-cabs or horse drawn carriages - so romantic!

(7) Reduce monetary waste by using an online flight finder like Kayak.

No matter how you travel - consider offsetting the carbon emissions from your travel.

What is the best eco-friendly kitchen gadget?

While there is obviously no one answer to this question I will tell you what one of my unexpected favorites was - a seltzer maker from Soda-Club Home Soda Makers. It does not need to be plugged in, the bottles are reusable and recyclable, and the seltzer tastes great! I liked it so much I bought it for my mom for her birthday. I drink a lot of seltzer and was feeling guilty about all of the plastic and the fuel used to ship water. I did not know that things like this exist and I am totally addicted. While it is an unconventional gift it is a great option for fizz lovers.

What are a few "Green" Kitchen things worth registering for?

It really depends what you need. Most couples today already have dishes, glasses etc. so think about registering for a few special items. Perhaps you have always wanted a dishwasher or a convection oven? If so - use the Energy Star program to find energy efficient models (which, in addition to being better for the environment will save you money in the long run) and use a tool with a partial purchase option like Felicite.com to register for larger gifts. For gorgeous serving platters, recycled glasses and more try Viva Terra.
Gaiam is a good source for useful kitchen wares like composting bins, recycling systems and water purifiers. They also have wonderful sustainable wood products (like the bowl in the picture above). I found this coupon for their site this month: Free Shipping – no minimum order. Use coupon EASTER. Expires 33108 For glassware, try to buy recycled products whenever possible, like these Recycled Glass Tumblers from Green Feet. Bamboo products, like this Bamboo Cutting Board are another good choice, because bamboo is fast growing, sturdy and comparatively sustainable. It is also important to choose products that will last a long time (and preferably come with lifetime warranties), like Wusthof knives or a Kitchen Aid mixer. You can register for these items through Amazon.

What's the best online site to buy a woman's designer dress?

The good news is that there are are a number of ways to wear a couture gown and still be green.  If you are looking for a specific designer, you can buy a once worn gown from designers like Oleg Cassini, Amalia Carrara and Vera Wang at the Wedding Dress Market and Save the Dress.  If you live in New York, try The Bridal Garden (54 W. 21st st) which raises money for the non-profit Sheltering Arms Children's Services. If you want to wear a new gown, Brides magazine ran a Something Pink issue featuring designer gowns whose sales proceeds go to support breast cancer. 

Where can I donate my dress?

Donating your dress is a wonderful thing to do.  Most of the wedding dresses that are preserved and stored are never worn again.  By donating your gown to charity you can help raise money for worthy causes and guarantee your dress is worn again (a form of recycling). If you live in New York, the Bridal Garden sells used dresses to raise money for the child welfare organization Sheltering Arms.  Another great option is Bride's Against Breast Cancer, which allows you to donate your gown, veil and other bridal accessories.  You can mail in your tax deductible items from anywhere in the world.