Question:

Hi Kate-

I have been told that Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are greener than standard incandescent bulbs, but I am not sure I agree. CFL bulbs contain mercury, a substance that is extremely dangerous for living organisms. When CFL bulbs get thrown away, this mercury ends up in landfills even though it is hazardous waste, and to date I am not sure there is an effective way to capture mercury from the environment.

Is this CFL trend just “green washing” or is there research to back it up? Wouldn’t it be greener to continue to use incandescent bulbs that do not contain toxic chemicals?

Answer:

CFLs are considered “green” because they use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and have a much longer lifespan.

Image:Benjamin D. Esham for the Wikimedia Commons

However, as they gain popularity their mercury content has become a sticking point for wary consumers. CFL light bulbs contain on average 5 milligrams of mercury, about enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. While this may seem like a small amount it is still hazardous, and so the concern that this mercury may build up in landfills and in the environment is indeed a valid one.

The mercury found in CFLs, and all fluorescent lights, is essential to their high-efficiency design. When used and disposed of properly these bulbs pose minimal threat to humans or the environment, so recycling them correctly is a great way to reap their benefits without the harm.

Large retailers such as Home Depot and Ikea have begun accepting used CFLs free of charge, and hopefully more CFL retailers will begin to do the same. Check out Earth 911 to locate a recycling center in your area.

Another important point is that coal-fired power plants, which supply almost half of the nation's electricity, are the leading source of mercury emissions in the air. According to Popular Mechanics, U.S. coal-fired power plants emitted 50.7 tons of mercury in 2006, the equivalent of the mercury in 9 million CFLs. Lowering our energy consumption through the use of CFL bulbs can ultimately decrease, not increase, the amount of mercury released into our environment.

That said, it is inevitable that some CFLs will end up in our landfills. But hopefully, informed green consumers will take the extra steps to minimize these hazards and spread the word. Besides recycling, you can also increase the life of your CFLs by using them in the warmer and dryer parts of your home or office, such as in the kitchen or living room. CFLs may have a shorter life in high-humidity spaces such as bathrooms or uncovered outdoor fixtures.

LED bulbs, another low-energy lighting option, do not contain mercury but are more expensive and some people do not like the quality of the light they emit. CFLs are a stepping-stone that will eventually be replaced with something better, but for now, even replacing just one bulb in your house with a CFL bulb will lower your energy costs and our overall consumption.

Hope this helps!

Kate

Image: John Michael Cooper

Question:

Hi Kate-

In beginning to look at wedding dresses, I have begun to ask myself what is the triple bottom line approach to purchasing my dress? I, of course, like any other bride, would love to have a dress that fits me well, looks gorgeous on, and is made and purchased responsibly. On one hand, I am willing to pay for the right dress, on the other hand, I question if it is responsible to purchase a wedding dress that costs over $1,000 (or even $500). It is a dress that will most likely be worn for one day. I am starting to feel that if I buy in to that sort of pricing then I am supporting an over inflated wedding industry and supporting capitalism (with its varied and many pitfalls) in general. Because I have many artists in my family, I do like to support designers, but I feel a bit different about supporting a designer who sells many of the same dress rather than one or few of a kind.

Even when I look at buying reused- the prices still make me feel like a disgusting American who, if she bought this dress, would not be considering how that much money could really make a big impact in schools in the US or in supporting poverty related issues internationally. I would love to feel excited and ok about the money I spend on my dress, but the more I look, the more I feel disgusted. Might you have any suggestions that could help make dress shopping fun and exciting again?

Thanks for your help.

Jordan in CA

Answer:

Dear Jordan,

You are not the first bride to feel repulsed at what has become a highly commoditized industry. Just watching three minutes of "Say Yes to The Dress," and seeing row after row of white bejeweled one-time-wear gowns reveals the ugly reality of the "wedding conveyer belt" awaiting us when we get engaged. The experience of over consumption, and the disposable culture surrounding American weddings, is enough to make that special feeling turn into nausea in three seconds flat. So - to answer your last question first, I think the way to feel excited about the process is to take a step back and remember what the goal is - to create a meaningful day that marks the start of your new lives together. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING after that is completely optional. Joelle Novey, who works for Green America and wore a burgundy gown to her wedding told me that when she and her husband Ethan were planning their wedding they would ask themselves at each turn "Will this bring more joy to the event?" If the answer was no, they skipped it.

Now, I am not saying you have to toss the baby out with the bath water and fly in the face of convention, ritual or expectation - because these are powerful forces and can be very meaningful. I am just saying that you have to try to keep perspective while going through the process, and make decisions that feel right for the two of you.

Turning to the gown, I agree with you that there is something unpalatable about buying a gown that costs more than most cars to wear for 6 hours and pack in a closet. I think it is problematic both financially and environmentally. Most gowns are made overseas in places that have pretty abhorrent labor conditions, are created from petroleum-based fabrics and are bleached in toxic chemicals. After the wedding they are dry cleaned (a.k.a. dipped in more toxic chemicals) and stored in plastic wrap (more petroleum). 

So what's a girl to do? You want to - and should - look and feel gorgeous on your wedding day, and getting the right dress is an important part of that. So let me run through some options that I think will address your concerns.

Image: Wai-Ching

You raise a great point about supporting designers, and I certainly think there are gowns out there that really are works of art. Supporting an independent designer (like many of the sellers on Etsy and the designers in The Green Bride Guide shop) makes sense. The gowns these artists make take many hours, and are worth the cost if you value the work. Several designers are now using sustainable fabrics, like organic cotton and peace silk, so you know that even when buying new, the environmental impact of the purchase is much less.

However, you are also correct that most gowns cost more than they are worth (based on their material and craft) and that used dresses, while better, can still cost a pretty penny. The good news is that the cost becomes temporary if you resell (read "recycle") your gown after your wedding. I did this with a pair of Vera Wang shoes for my wedding. I bought them once worn for $50 on eBay and resold them for the same $50 - so all I paid for was the shipping and nothing new had to be created. This kind of recycling allows you to enjoy a luxury item with minimal environmental or financial impact. There are a number of companies renting high end gowns and jewelry now too - a practice that has the same benefits as above.

Image: The Costume Designer

If you feel strongly, as I did, that the money you spend should be supporting a worthy cause, consider buying a gown from Brides Against Breast Cancer's traveling trunk show, or from a store like the Bridal Garden in NY that supports inner city education. Even if you buy a new gown, you can donate it to one of these shops/causes after your event and know those dollars are making a difference. On this note, I also suggest you think about your wedding's overall impact, and consider setting up a charity registry, or giving donations in lieu of favors. There are many ways to have your wedding give back. Your allocated dress funds do not have to be the place to skimp if you want to splurge. Just remember that every choice makes a difference, so feel good about the things you are able to do.

Hope this helps!

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

~ Lynn in Cincinnati

Answer:

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!)

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Image: Kate and Reuben on her mini-moon in Vermont

Question:

Hey there, Kate,

So, I'm realizing that I'm inadvertently amassing different tan lines just from walking around outside. Given that my dress is strapless, I need to figure out a (hopefully nontoxic and noncancerous) way to even out - any ideas?

Thanks!

B

Answer:

Hi B,

Thanks so much for writing! I'm glad you asked this question; sometimes, with everything else brides have to plan, they forget about unflattering tan lines. This is especially a concern now that strapless and asymmetrical dresses are so popular.

The easiest solution is a combination of awareness and prevention. Keeping your skin healthy and radiant is easily achieved by avoiding the sun when you can and by using a good sunblock when you can't. I recommend the Badger line of sunscreens. They are natural, organic, moisturizing, safe for all ages, and they smell delicious! Make sure to apply generously and often, and you will be a fair-skinned beauty on your wedding day. 

Eco-chic tip: On your wedding day, you can accessorize and protect your complexion with a bamboo and rice paper parasol. 

Image: Studio 1923

But what about brides who prefer a sun-kissed glow on their big day? Achieve this look using an effective and eco-friendly self-tanner. I recommend these Lavera self-tanning products; they are all-natural and organic, and allow color to build up gradually so you avoid streaks and unnatural orangey tones. You can also try organic bronzing cream or bronzing powder to attain a natural-looking rosy radiance, or to blend in any tan lines you might already have.  

Image: Capture Your Hart Photography

I am not a big fan of spray-on tans, but you can find some salons that use an organic solution. Google "Organic Spray Tanning Salons" for options. If you choose a spray tan, schedule your first appointment several months before your wedding to make sure you like the result. Your final appointment should be several days before the wedding to ensure that the spray is completely set and doesn't smear onto your dress.

No matter which method you choose to avoid unsightly tan lines on your wedding day, make sure you try the product well in advance. A rash, inflammation, or other unexpected reaction is far worse than a bathing suit tan line!

Image: Michele Waite

If you do choose to spend time in the sun before the wedding, match your bathing suit to your dress. Bandeau tops will keep you line-free for almost any dress style, including strapless, but you can likely find a suit that is the same style as your gown (halter-style bathing suit for a halter dress, etc). Keep your skin moisturized and protected, though, and limit your time in the sun. You should also try to avoid exposure during the peak hours of 10am-2pm. This is just as important during your honeymoon! Take good care of your skin, and you'll have wonderful memories and beautiful photographs instead of a painful sunburn. 

Question: 

Hi Kate, 

My finance and I want to buy organic food for our rehearsal dinner, which is going to be very casual and at our house. However, I heard that sometimes organic foods are not labelled organic, or that things that say organic may not really be. Can you clarify?

Thanks!

Jenny

Answer:

Hi Jenny, 

First, I think it is great that you are trying to include organic food in your wedding. Using organic ingredients (or asking your caterer or baker to use organic ingredients) is an easy way to decrease the impact of your event on the earth without sacrificing style or significantly increasing your costs.

The USDA organic labeling system can be confusing, and this short YouTube video that does a good job of explaining packaging.  

However, labeling is only part of the story, as there are a few exceptions. For example, small-scale farmers (who sell less than $5,000 worth of products a year) do not need to be certified to use the term organic.  

Also, some farmers use organic methods but choose not to go through the certification process and therefore cannot use the term organic on their label, even though their products meet or exceed the USDA standards.  So, if someone tells you, at a farmers' market for example, that they are selling organically produced goods, they may be telling the truth even if they do not have the certification to prove it.  

That said, the only way to be 100% sure you are getting organic items is to buy certified products. 

Hope this helps!

Kate