A couple organizing an eco-friendly wedding would surely prefer that their wedding gifts are also eco-friendly, but what should you give? The fact is that if you have time to do a little research there are plenty of gifts out there that go far beyond the usual gifts of glassware and kitchen accessories.
Opt for a gift that is a little more creative. Plenty of people will give the happy couple items for their kitchen – why don’t you give them the opportunity to learn how to use them? Cooking classes for couples make a great gift. They can spend time together away from home and learn new skills at the same time. Alternatively opt for a hamper that you have put together yourself. Find out all their favorite (organic!) foods and fill a basket. Maybe you could add in a few of your own favorite recipes for them to try.
Anything organic should feature on your list of possible gifts which is why organic cotton bathrobes and bedding are becoming popular choices. There are a number of places now that sell organic and fair trade cotton products and the quality is perfect for a wedding gift.
If you do want to buy the happy couple something for their kitchen consider something made from bamboo. Salad bowls and tongs, coasters and many other items can be found made from bamboo. It is a sustainable material and it looks great in the kitchen. Opting for sustainable materials for your gift is important – avoid plastics at all costs as their impact on the environment is dramatic and damaging.
For the real eco-enthusiast, you could invest in a solar oven. These are ovens that cook simply with the help of sunlight, saving energy and money. This is perfect for those who live in an area that gets plenty of good weather and it will totally transform the way that they prepare a meal.
Ethical gifts are also gaining in popularity. Many charities now give you the opportunity to purchase items such as goats, cows and chickens for villages in third world countries. Gifts like this mean that you can make a difference in the world without having an impact on the planet. It is also ideal for the couple that already seems to have everything that they need.
If you do not want to give a physical gift, why not promise your friends some of your time and support? A couple moving into a new home when they marry will need help with decorating and gardening and would appreciate a few friends turning up when they are needed most.
It does not take a lot of searching to find a suitably environmentally friendly gift and if you are on a tight budget you should still be able to find something that is kind to the planet and that your friends will appreciate.