A Simple Wedding=A Green Wedding

I am still catching up on telling you about my recent weekend of celebration. The last thing I wanted to share with y'all from that weekend was a glimpse of my cousin's wedding. My cousin, Erin, (like everyone in our family) struggled with how to manage our large family (50 cousins on that side alone) at a wedding that she wanted to be very simple. She succeeded with grace and though she didn't exactly intend it, a gift to the planet.

The ceremony was held on her uncle's farm. A simple arch was constructed in the front yard and decorated with leaves, mums, and bales of hay. We all stood under blue skies, surrounded by cornfields to watch the brief but beautiful exchange of vows.

Then everyone moved to a barn that had been constructed for the event (but of course would be utilized later) and was decorated with twinkling lights and centerpieces of pumpkins and gourds. Dinner was a simple barbeque buffet style that had something for everyone, including vegetarians. We ate on plastic plates with plastic ware, not perfect, but all of it was collected, washed, and reused.

So let's wrap it up. Some things Erin did really well with her wedding to help the Earth:

• She kept it simple. There was nothing we didn't need or use (favors, place cards, etc...)
• She used things in and of nature (the mums, hay, gourds)
• She had us outside enjoying nature
• The food was cooked on sight with vegetarian options
• She reused where she could

What have you seen at weddings that really works for the planet? Are you planning a wedding soon? Planning to make it green? Did you have a green wedding? Any tips?

Ye Olde Toy Shoppe

As I mentioned last week, I try to limit birthday presents. But my mother-in-law shows her love through gifting so I hate to limit that love. I made compromise this year with the help of Ye Olde Toy Shoppe in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. It is near my in-laws place and it is chock-full of resale toys. Traditionally a collector's paradise, it is perfect for us because it allows Tucker to enjoy new-to-him toys without hurting (maybe actually helping) the planet and supporting a local business woman.

The walls are lined and layered with toy treasures. So much so that Tucker had trouble deciding. And while each toy is different, they all have one thing in common, they have been used and loved before and they have already made their imprint on the planet. Now it's time for a few of them to make an imprint on yet another child.

Do you have a place like this by you? Have you looked? If not, the internet is great for allowing you to buy resale. Craigslist and Ebay are great places to look even if you won't get that same magical feeling of being surrounded by a history of laughter and fun.

Ending the Birthday Brouhaha

As I have mentioned briefly, my oldest son, Tucker, celebrated his 4th birthday last week. We always celebrate Tucker's birthday in the same way. If it is a school day (as it was this year) he takes a vegetarian or vegan treat to school. This year it was cupcakes (you can use an egg replacer and they won't even know the difference!).

Later in the day we go as a family to the apple orchard (on Everett's, it's off to pick out our Christmas tree). This has become our tradition and it is joyously earth-friendly in a couple ways.

• It gets us outside and enjoying nature.
• It shows our kids where food really comes from.
• It allows us to stock up on apples to munch on a later cook together.
• And it helps build a tradition that is centered around time together, not stuff.

We do get each child one birthday present each year. Although, Tucker didn't get one for the first two years just because he didn't know any better. Tucker is now old enough to request a gift. He asked for Buzz Lightyear. I searched for a used one, but could not find one and ended up buying new because it was what he really wanted. The amount of packaging in this one relatively small toy reminded me why I avoid buying new at all costs. Last year we gave him a motorcycle we found at a garage sale for $20 and he has been riding it ever since!

Of course others will want to contribute. This year I had Nana take Tucker to a really cool resale toy shop near her (more on that tomorrow). And while you can't stop everyone from buying new things, you can curtail the present brouhaha a little bit.

• Ask for what they really need. Tucker often gets clothes because he is older and we don't have that size yet.
• Ask for gift cards. The kids can pick out what they really want or you can use them to do fun activities together like the local putt-putt, a movie etc...
• Ask friends and family to take your child (or you!) to do something. Spending time with someone always means more and memories will start to form with that person. An afternoon at the park can be even better then a plastic toy!
• Plant a tree or plant together if the season allows.
• If you do get gifts, reuse the wrapping. Set aside bags, tissue, even wrapping paper to use next time you have to give a gift. I even cut out the front of cards for art projects later.

Most importantly, change your mindset. Remember that the birthdays your kids will remember most aren't about presents, but time spent with people they love doing things they love. What simple ways and fun things have you done to celebrate with your kids?