Unfortunately, as long as there are buyers for these illegal stones, these war-torn countries will continue to suffer the consequences. It is the responsibility of brides, grooms, jewellers and investors to ensure that their stones are legitimate and conflict-free.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was implemented in 2001 by the United Nations Organisation. This scheme was designed to lay out and implement strict rules and regulations regarding the humane, legal mining and shipping of diamonds. This means that, regardless of what country you are in, your jeweller must be able to provide this certification for any diamonds that he or she sells. This certification has been implemented with the aim of ensuring complete transparency, forcing the governmental authorities of countries to keep records of the numbers of diamonds they are importing and exporting, their origin and their worth. The records have to be freely available. The governments are then required to analyse these figures and compare them to what is being spent on social upliftment. This process will soon reveal discrepancies and the unfair distribution of finances.

If you are planning to purchase diamonds in the near future, you will want to ensure that they are conflict-free. To do this, you should:

• Request and examine the certification of each stone
• In addition to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, diamonds will also have a System of Warranties statement (a sample can be found at www.diamondfacts.org). The documents you receive should follow the diamond from its mining all the way through to your piece of jewellery.
• Choose an outlet that prides itself on its conflict-free stones
• There are jewellers and designers that are renowned for their ethical sourcing of stones. They also frequently donate a portion of the price you pay to charities that are dedicated to the complete abolishment of blood diamonds. Make an effort to find and use such services.
• Become educated about the prices of diamonds
• Conflict-free diamonds should be no more expensive than blood diamonds. Do not allow a jeweller to fool you into believing that you should purchase an uncertified stone because it is cheaper.

Although, as individuals, we often feel that our small contribution makes no difference on a global scale, nothing could be less true. The horrors that the victims of these wars face are purely because of the market for blood diamonds. As each of us resolves to stop supporting this market, there is the very real possibility that we can make a massive impact on this savage and illegal trade.

Photo Credit: The New York Times

As the world continues to look for innovative ways to promote environmental sensitivity and awareness, various designers and manufacturers also successfully come up with gorgeous new ideas that are irresistible to the greenminded bride (and the commercial market in general). One of these great ideas is to embed seeds into recycled paper for a practical, sustainable alternative to wedding ‘paperwork’. This makes it look textured and fun, but serves another purpose. The paper can then be planted and watered, allowing the seeds to germinate and grow into a plant that will serve as a lasting reminder of your special day.

Significantly, this does not affect the impact and beauty of your wedding invitations, menus, programmes, and so on. Rather, the paper is aesthetically elegant, with a whimsical appeal that will enhance the fairytale romance of your wedding day. It also raises awareness amongst your guests about the importance of using environmentally-sensitive products, and serves as a keepsake for them, encouraging them to care for and grow your seeds in honour of you, the couple. Consider including an explanation somewhere as to why you chose this paper and instructions on the method of growing the seeds.

Seeded paper is made from recycled paper, and can be embedded with the seeds of wild flowers, grass or a variety of herbs. The ink used to print your invitation wording or menu items is water-based, so that it will not leak chemicals into the soil once wet. The paper is organic or recyclable, so that it either breaks down in the soil, or can be removed after germination and recycled for the creation of more eco-aware products such as this.

The process of making paper requires that vast amounts of water be used. Greenminded companies will ensure that such water is not wasted, but is reused in some way (such as farming, gardening or manufacturing).

Using seeded paper as your invitations and ‘thank you’ notes actually saves you, as the bridal couple, money and effort as these double as guest gifts. Giving favours that last will ensure that your guests treasure the memory of your day. Ask your service provider to create fun blends of seeds that your guests can use in a practical way, such as rocket, thyme, chamomile, chillies and mint.

Because this paper is custom-made for brides- and grooms-to-be, you are able to have plenty of flexibility in terms of the dimensions, colours and wording that you desire. You are also able to choose from a variety of products, including:

• Save-the-date cards
• Invitations
• Menus
• Programmes
• Place name settings
• Calendars
• Gift tags
• Confetti (a great selling point for outdoor venues that are concerned about waste and litter)

• Use the internet as a valuable tool and send out electronic invitations, rather than ones printed on paper or card. E-invites do not require the chopping down of trees and do not leave anything behind that may pollute the environment. Remember to request that all RSVPs be sent via email too, so that money and materials are preserved. Some couples have set up an email address dedicated to this cause (e.g. ourweddingrsvp@gmail.com).
• If you definitely want a physical wedding invitation, opt for recycled papers and natural embellishments (such as real flowers, feathers and grasses).
• Consider recycling, refashioning or altering a pre-loved wedding dress rather than investing in a brand new one. Ask relatives for their old gowns, or peruse the local second-hand shops and antique stores. Be innovative in your personalising of the dress, adding unique touches that characterise your own tastes and personality. Your dress will be exclusive and eco-friendly.
• If you are unable to find a used dress or have your heart set on a new one, ensure that it is made using environmentally-friendly fabrics such as cotton that was grown and picked in ethical ways. Choose a design and colour that you are able to wear again so that your dress is recyclable.
• Do not wear shoes or accessories made from suede, leather or fur.
• Although traditional wedding favours are almost expected nowadays, many guests and bridal couples agree in their ultimate futility. Rather, give your guests a packet of seedlings that will sprout indigenous trees, fruit or vegetables as gifts. These are useful and innovative and will be a romantic reminder every time the guests enjoy their plant’s flourishing.
• On your invitation, request that guests give you something with the environment in mind, rather than simply giving vouchers or appliances. These can include yoga classes, plants or recipes for organic meals. Alternatively, ask them for gifts they have made themselves, reducing their own financial and energy costs and also providing you with a valuable item.
• Your wedding cake, meals, coffee and so on should be made using fair-trade products and ingredients.
• Ensure that your ceremony and reception venues will be recycling scraps from your big day, minimising pollution, preventing the wasting of energy and saving water. They should have some form of certification to prove this.
• Save money and resources by choosing not to have items that are usually expected. These may include centrepieces for the tables, bouquets, bridesmaids, and so on. It is very often the case that, although these have become traditional, few miss them when they are not there.
• Make sure that your diamonds are conflict-free (certification must be made available), and source all jewellery from second-hand stores, or borrow it from friends and family.
• Get your friends and family to help wherever possible. Ask them to do your hair and make-up, assist with flower arrangements and have a hand in your décor, if possible.
• Opt for taking a train to your honeymoon destination, rather than driving there. This will decrease the amount of fuel you use and air pollution caused. It is also often cheaper and is a more relaxing way mode of travel, allowing both of you to see the scenery.

• Use the internet wisely by sending out electronic invitations. They require no trees to be chopped down and leave no remains to pollute the environment. Likewise, request that RSVPs be sent via email. You may even dedicate an email address to this cause (e.g. ourweddingrsvp@hotmail.com)
• Instead of buying a brand new dress, recycle, refashion or alter an existing one. It can be your grandmother’s wedding dress, one that you found in a second-hand shop or an evening dress to which you have added some sparkles and pizzazz
• Alternatively, have a new dress made using only environmentally-friendly fabrics (e.g. cotton that was grown and picked in ethical ways)
• Choose a dress design and colour that you can wear again
• Ensure that your shoes are not made from animal products (suede or leather)
• Instead of driving to the honeymoon destination, take a train trip there. This reduces your fuel consumption and air pollution. It is also a more relaxing way of travelling as you can make the journey part of the overall honeymoon experience
• Rather than giving people wedding favours that may cost a lot and never truly be appreciated, give each guest a packet of seedlings of indigenous trees, fruit or vegetables. These are practical, novel and will remind your guests of your special day every time they see their plant flourishing
• Ask guests to give ethically-oriented gifts rather than generic crockery and kitchenware. This could include yoga classes, a meal out (saving you money and allowing you time together) or a donation towards one of several charities of your choice
• You may choose rather to ask guests for home-made gifts. This usually results in very interesting and far more meaningful keepsakes from those most special to you
• Make your own cake with fair-trade ingredients (items that have not been produced by violating human rights in any way)
• Ensure that your ceremony and reception venues take steps to recycle, minimise pollution, save water and reduce power consumption
• Serve vegan meals or use organic and free-range animal products. It may be a good idea to let guests know this so that their awareness is raised for future choices
• Consider carefully whether you really want and need the added extras that often exist at weddings (e.g. centrepieces, bouquets, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc…). If you are happy not to have these at your wedding, you will save a lot of money. Ironically, although these are thought to be standard characteristics of a wedding celebration, few ever notice when they are missing
• Accessorise with “pre-loved” items from second-hand stores or borrowed from friends and family. Any diamonds should be sourced from conflict-free providers
• Rope friends in to help wherever possible. Get friends to do your hair, make-up, flower arrangements and décor, if possible. Even your jewellery can be hand-made by a creative or artistic friend for a unique, personalised piece

Ethical weddings are a personal choice and are meant to ensure that, as a couple, you feel comfortable with the choices you have made in the celebration of your union. That is why it is so important to stick to your values and defend them. This will result in a day that is truly reflective of the two of you.

Invitations:

Reduce – the number and/or size. Send one invite to all those living at the same address. Think smaller and delicate, or minimalist and smart, rather than large and lavish. It’ll save you money, too. Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by using our pedal-powered post office.

Re-use – the embellishments. Someone you know will have a store of beads, ribbons and other little goodies to make your invitations unique. And use recycled paper.

Re-cycle – ask your guests to help the earth by recycling your invitation. A little one-liner printed at the bottom or on the reverse side gets your message across.

Re-think! Consider e-vites. There are some beautiful options available for a small fee on the web – this will cut your costs too.

Gifts:

Reduce – the wrappings. Many gift services have this as an optional extra – ask that your gifts are not wrapped, this will give your guests a few more rands to spend on you! If you have a registry, request environmentally responsible items like energy efficient appliances, or locally made products, to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum.

Re-use – the wrappings. Understandably some people still like to hand over a festive parcel with all the trimmings. Encourage your guests to re-use wrapping paper and gift bags.

Re-cycle – all wrapping and packaging that can’t be re-used. Polystyrene too! (This can be recycled at certain depots).

Rethink! The ultimate green gift is, of course, your own piece of the natural environment. Whether your guests sponsor you a tree, or an acre of Africa dedicated to conservation, this is the type of selfless gifting is what really needs to be encouraged – it’s our material ways that got us into all this trouble in the first place.

Decorations and Party Favours:

Reduce – holding your event in a natural setting (garden, wine farm, beach …) drastically reduces the need for decoration as nature has done all the work.

Re-use – fairy lights, chair covers, tablecloths, candles, vases and many other decorations can be hired for your event. In this way quality décor is shared by many users, reducing your impact on the environment. Disposable decorations tend to look cheap and generate huge amounts of waste.

Re-cycle – any paper wastage. Note that heavily dyed tissue paper or streamers cannot be recycled. You could put them in your compost though. Locally grown cut flowers are considered carbon neutral – but be aware of their origin. Flying them in from Kenya immediately hikes your environmental impact.

Re-think! For party favours that make pretty table decorations, how about a few seeds in a little muslin bag for your guests to plant at home? Tiny potted cacti or violets also make a beautiful and lasting gift. Chillis, herbs, wild strawberries – these all package very attractively and are a wonderfully green memento of your special day.

Travelling guests

You may be honoured with guests who are travelling from far away to be with you on this momentous occasion. Consider asking them to offset their greenhouse gas emissions from plane and car journeys by planting a tree to mark the occasion, or by supporting one of the many worthy projects that will do this for you. You could also ask them to consider choosing environmentally responsible accommodation.

Waste

If you’re having your celebration at a venue that handles all the logistics, insist upon a comprehensive recycling plan – it is so easy and there are many companies who will come and collect your separated waste should your venue not be equipped to handle it. Glass, all paper and cardboard products, tins and cans can all be recycled without the need for a specialist depot.

Food waste

Once you have enjoyed your feast with your family and friends, consider donating your leftover food to those not so fortunate. There are many charities and shelters for the homeless that would receive your unwanteds with gratitude. Leftover cake and desserts are always a hit at a children’s home!

Green Door Sustainable Living provides a consulting service for all your sustainable living needs and will be happy to advise you on any aspect of greening your event. We have a large database of goods and services to assist you in minimising the environmental impact of your big day. We are also available to liaise with your venue and/or your planner towards achieving a greener and more sustainable event – our thanks to the Earth for all it has given!

For more information, visit Green Door Consulting.