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I am doing my part to be GREEN and, with the help of all my couples, we can change the way things are done at our meetings and altar to better our environment!
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I not only focused on the big things to become more green at the altar but I also focus on little things that all in all, add up to a very large picture. So, here’s what I’ve done so far and… more things to come.
The Green Meeting
All of my couples meetings are presented by electronic media with my iPad. Everything from my ceremony handbook to all the materials my couples need for their license, changing the brides name, vendor referrals and all the additional information I present to my couple. I then present the same information on CD/DVD for their use at home. Of course, paper form is still available for couples that don’t use computers and it’s also available online.
RESULT: After checking the facts, it looks like I will save ONE TREE FROM DESTRUCTION EVERY TWO YEARS in paper consumption alone not counting the impact of the printer, toner, etc.
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Going Green Getting There
After extensive research AND until we can safely dispose of giant lithium batteries in hybrids into the earth after they die, I now drive the VW-TDI, CLEAN CAR OF THE YEAR for three years in a row. Not to mention that it’s next to zero in pollutants and emissions, my fuel mileage has gone from less than 25 MPG to nearly 50 MPG!
Rather than jump to meet with couples anytime they want, I now ask them to help me by scheduling as many meetings together as possible, thus saving even more cars on the road and fuel. I admit that sitting at Starbucks for 4-5 hours can be a little hard on the backside, but I know we’re doing our part!
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The Green Ceremony
I now present my couples ceremonies using the iPad as well! Placed in a beautiful leather bound case that looks awesome in ceremony photos. For those that wish to make sure that the bible is present on their wedding day, it’s there using the benefits of iBooks! As mentioned above, this saves so much in paper, toner and printing, it really is helping our environment!
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The little Green Extras (I know these may sound silly at first but, in the big picture, it’s really the small things that we can do that add up that have a very large impact on helping the environment)
- With as many paper cups I have used going to meetings and on my way to weddings from local coffee shops, it dawned on me, why not use my travel mug… all the time! So, that’s what I do. Mind you the major coffee shops use recycled products, I’m confident that this is indeed helping.
- Because I travel so many miles every year to meetings and celebrations (17,000 in 2009 alone) I have found that taking care of my car, takes care of me and yes, the environment! My tires are inflated with nitrogen, this helps keep the tires inflated longer which helps in fuel economy and going through tires.
- As mentioned above, I am trying to combine as many meetings together as I can and up until now, I stayed away from booking couples meetings on the weekends simply because, it’s my busiest days doing weddings. Now, if I can make a meeting happen between weddings in the same area, I offer this…
- I use a digital camera with a rechargeable battery to take photos of my couple following the ceremony, pretty simple.
- I use rechargeable batteries for my portable sound system.
- Use of fluorescent lighting in the Vows From The Heart Ministries office using natural lighting as a priority.
- Use of “Energy Star” electronic equipment.
- Use of recycled paper and toners (participating with HP’s toner recycle program)
I know there is much more I can do and will make the changes as they come to light. My prayer and hope is; everyone can find a way to be Green in their workplace. Together, we can make the difference.
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