You want Green? You got Green!

Although I have heard and read so much information both supporting and debunking the climate change issue, I am honestly not fully convinced either way especially in light of the new controversies. I do, however, recognize that some people are passionate about being "Green". In the interim I have taken my company in a direction that will appeal to those who are fervent about the issue while covering my stance until I can be persuaded otherwise. I have pledged to become 100% carbon-neutral for my entire operation. Read more about my environmental policies below:

In short, I will hold Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from Good EnergyTM to offset all of the electricity used in our office and by our equipment at each individual wedding for which we perform (14,320 kWh in 2009) as well as offsetting all of our travel to and from client meetings and events (17 tons in 2009). In most cases we travel to meet our clients either near their homes or in public places like Starbucks, or Barnes & Noble (both environmentally conscious enterprises) so practically all of the carbon emissions involved in providing my excellent disc jockey services are negated. Good EnergyTM backs up their Renewable Energy Certificates with Wind, Solar and Hydro generated power.
In addition, I also use recycled materials while reducing waste. All of my paper marketing materials are printed on minimum 30% post-consumer recycled paper products. Business cards are printed on 100% recycled, card stock using environmentally responsible inks. The contents of my information packet (and any other piece of paper we print) are printed on 100% recycled paper.

I maintain a "paperless office" and scan, shred, and recycle all incoming mail and paperwork to our office. I rarely need to utilize the US Postal Service with the exception of hard copy of a signed contract.

eFax is my method of choice instead of a standard fax machine, so no paper is used when a fax is sent or received.

If being "Green" is your bag... here are some ideas to offset your wedding's carbon impact:

You too can purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset the electricity used and the travel emissions from your guests. RECs (sometimes called Green Tags) are tradable certificates that represent electricity generated by a clean, renewable source (such as a wind farms, solar fields or Hydro dams). To offset your carbon impact, you would purchase RECs in the estimated quantity and then just not use them. You agree to never actually claim the electricity they represent. This measure adds clean electricity to the country's power grid and reduces the demand for energy produced by traditional sources.

Even More Great Ideas for your Green Party:

· Hire vendors and suppliers who have "green" practices

· Invite your guests to carpool or provide transportation for them to and from the event location

· Host your party at an eco-friendly site

· Request your caterer not use plastic cups, and ask them to separate and recycle waste

· Make a donation in lieu of wedding favors or gift bags and give guests a green favor

· Use soy candles

· Hire florists who can get local and/or organic flowers

· Provide an option for charitable donations on any gift registry

· Donate any leftover food instead of throwing it away

· Hire designers who use recycled materials for any paper invitations, place cards, ceremony programs, etc.

· Find organic soaps and place recycled paper towels in the restrooms at the reception

· Give guests a seedling to plant or perform a symbolic tree planting during the event.

Links:

· Throwing Green Parties - Make your guests "green" with envy.

· Green-e - Site that's all about "Green".

· World Wildlife Fund Green Weddings - Registry with a portion of the proceeds going to WWF, as well as green wedding ideas.

· Green Power Network - List of Renewable Energy Certificate resources

· Sustainable Weddings - Just what it says… articles, books, and websites.

· Great Green Weddings - Advice, tips, and links to green wedding ideas and resources.

· Wedvert - e-zine-style guide to green weddings.

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