Lighting – you will be quite light dependant on your big day to illuminate the ceremony and reception to their fullest extent. Where possible this should be via the use of natural light coming in through multiple windows in the function room, along with light sensitive lights situated close to such windows. An eco venue will also be one where they use lights with motion sensors in their corridors and parking areas as well as low wattage bulbs.

Conservation of energy – wedding reception venues should turn out lights when they are not needed as well as limiting heating and cooling machines to only come on when necessary. The kitchen should be powered by gas.

Outdoor facilities – venues where the wedding can take place outdoors on grass for example will be saving energy. Bedouin tents should be available should rain try and spoil your day.

Garden irrigation systems – systems should be in place to shut down any sprinkler systems in the luscious gardens in the event of rain. Irrigation systems should be those that lose little water through evaporation and landscaping should also have been designed to depend on little amounts of water.

Local produce served – eco venues should grow some of the fruit and vegetables that they use on site and should try and source other products and fish from local sources rather than importing. This also goes for beers and wines served at the bar.

Recycled paper products – if possible the venue should provide invitations or at least the place cards and menus made from recycled materials.

Recycled decorations – there can be quite a lot of waste from wedding parties so as many decorations as possible should be recycled. Floral arrangements should also be obtained from local florists that use only in season flowers. Where possible potted plants rather than cut flowers should be used and after the wedding, flowers should be donated to hospitals or similar centers.

Waste recycling – confirm with the venue that all waste is separated into the usual recycling categories of glass, paper and plastics and is collected by a registered waste management company.

If you can find a wedding venue that meets all of these requirements you can relax in the knowledge that your big day is not impacting on the planet.

• Get a home audit from your utility company. Find out how you can lower your energy consumption.
• Try reusable canvas bags. Give up on the debate over paper or plastic and start using reusable bags for your shopping.
• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Replace 4 incandescents and reduce your CO2 emissions by 5,000 pounds.
• Start using 100% recycled paper products in your home. Save some trees, they absorb carbon dioxide.
• Replace your vinyl shower curtain with a natural cloth shower curtain or a glass shower door. PVC or vinyl is petroleum based and emits toxins into your home.
• Install a water-saving shower head. This could save more than 3 gallons of water per minute.
• Give up traditional cleaning products for non-toxic biodegradable alternatives. Conventional products are harmful to both the environment and your health.
• Purchase some glass storage containers and reusable water bottles and get rid of your plastic. Plastic is made from petroleum, need I say more.
• Walk, bike, take the bus, carpool. We all love the convenience of our own cars, but think about other options. Try taking the bus to work (maybe you can save money on parking) or take a walk to the corner store for that gallon of milk.
• Start composting. About one third of the space in landfills is taken up with organic waste from yards and kitchens. You can easily use this material to improve your lawn and garden.
• As always reduce, reuse, recycle. Think about the excess packaging on the products you buy. Try to reuse an item before you throw it out or recycle it. Give it to a friend or donate your unused items to a charity like Goodwill. Recycle everything you possible can, even when you are away from home.

Try one or two of these ideas to honor Earth Day this April 22^nd. But don’t stop there, let’s treat every day like Earth Day and make an earth-friendly lifestyle a habit.