Eco-Friendly Wedding Favor Ideas & Green Gift Ideas
- Encourage your guests to plant and nurture their own bit of nature by giving seed packets as favors. Buy seeds that are sealed in packets made from recycled paper, or repackage seeds yourself in small burlap bags. You can also give small saplings as favors. Consult with a garden store to find out what type of tree will flourish in your region. Package newly sprouted trees inside cardboard tubes or biodegradable boxes. Attach growing instructions to any plant favors.
- Edible favors are always a good choice, since most guests will enjoy taking something tasty home. Buy organic treats from local vendors. You can give jars of jam, honey or tomato sauce, or give desserts such as organic chocolates. Choose something that the two of you enjoy or that carries your wedding theme. To make homemade favors, pick berries from an organic farm for jam or use organic ingredients to bake vegan brownies. Package the treats in attractive glass jars that your guests can reuse.
- Recycled products reduce resource use and cut down on waste in landfills. Give each guest a notebook or address book made from recycled paper or a small tote bag made from recycled pieces of fabric. You can also buy water bottles made from recycled glass or plastic. Attach a note reminding guests how many plastic water bottles get thrown away each year. Let them know that using a reusable bottle instead is an easy way to help the planet.
- Skip the traditional favors altogether and put your money toward a charitable contribution. Donate most of your favor budget to a local animal refuge or food pantry. Type up a note explaining your donation. Include the contact information to the charity in case guests want to add to your donation. Attach the notes to small gifts for guests to take home. Buy a bookmark made from recycled paper or an organic chocolate bar for each guest, then place a note and gift at each place setting.