What "Green" Means to Me...

Television icons, Hollywood celebrities and even politicians are stepping up to tell us that "Green is the new black" (Thank you Oprah, thank you Ecorazzi, thank you Al Gore!) Who wouldn't sign onto an infinitely viable trend? All that is required of us is an increased level of stewardship, and sometimes going green even saves some green!

Take this example: Original Pawleys Island Duracord Hammock, for $184.99, OR Envirope Hammock, for $125.95 (made from mostly old soda bottles, "Envirope" is softer than virgin polyester but with the same durability. It is mildew- and UV-resistant, assuring a long life). Meet my material needs, save money, support green economy and recycle a bunch of old soda bottles? It's a win, win, win, win proposition! If I were in the market for a hammock, no contest.

There was a time when "saving Mother Earth" was an ambition reserved for those without real problems on their hands...

Fortunately, there has been a rise in awareness and more and more people recognize that blind consumerism and gross waste are mistreatments of our living space and our neighbors -A reeal problem for all of us.

I grew up among hills and farms, gardens and bees. We lived off-the-grid, relying primarily on solar and hydro-power. Rural life helped me to recognize and appreciate our human role as members of a symbiotic ecosystem. As a part of that ecosystem, each of us makes an impact on it, and it is ours to decide what kind of impact that will be.

Activism comes in many shades and forms, but if we believe that every effort to effect change, on the micro or the macro-level, is one more drop in the proverbial bucket, then our cumulative actions are meaningful; we can imagine that bucket filling and appreciate our part in the change.

From my perspective, a wedding or event is about sharing beautiful and meaningful traditions with people we care about. Our occasions to celebrate are priceless, and the savviest way to accomplish such joy includes minimizing the eco-footprint of our festivities, and maximizing the heart.

This is the philosophy that I bring to my work, because this is what "green" means to me!