Free Wedding Checklist
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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
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Alternative Energy = Energy that is derived from renewable resources, such as wind, solar or waste vegetable oil
Antibiotic-free = Animals were raised without the use of preventative antibiotics. However, animals with infections, such as utter inflammation, can be treated with veterinarian prescribed antibiotics on a case-by-case basis. The Green Bride Guide Online makes this distinction, because while we believe that the widespread use of antibiotics (in feed) to support factory farming must be stopped, disallowing the use of antibiotics to treat infection forces farmers to rely entirely on homeopathic options and can lead to unnecessary suffering in ill animals.
Antique = More than 100 years old.
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Bamboo = Bamboo is a fast growing grass species that can be sustainably harvested every few years. It is an excellent building and craft material. Although there are some environmental concerns about bamboo (it is usually shipped from China, the processing can involve toxic chemicals, etc.) all evidence suggests that it is better for the environment than conventional alternatives.
Biodegradable = For the purpose of this site, a product is biodegradable is it is made from a renewable and organic material, such as jute or wood pulp that will decompose within a two years if left exposed to the elements. Biodegrable items cannot contain or be treated with any chemicals that would pollute the ground once the material decomposed.
Biodiesel = An alternative fuel that can be burned in a convention diesel engine. Biodiesel is "a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils like soybean oil, and which meets the specifications of ASTM D 6751." For more information see the Official Site of The National Biodiesel Board.
Biodynamic = To qualify as biodynamic, a product must meet the criteria established by Demeter, although formal certification is not required.
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Carbon Offset = An investment in any instrument or program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon Negative= The Green Bride Guide Online is now carbon negative. This means we invest in programs that remove more carbon from the atmosphere (or prevent more carbon from being admitted in the future) than it takes to power our site. This means the site has a negative impact on climate change. In other words, we are working to reverse the problem, not just contribute less to less.
Carbon Neutral = Removing as much carbon from the atmosphere as you or your event produces so as to have a net zero impact on climate change.
Chlorine-free = Chlorine is a chemical bleaching agent for many cleaning and paper products. One of chlorine's bi-products is dioxin, a known toxin and dangerous carcinogen. Chlorine-free paper products are made without the use of this chemical.
Compact Florescent (CFL)= We use the Energy Star definition of compact fluorescent: "a small fluorescent light bulb that uses 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and can be screwed into a regular light socket."
Compostable = Anything made from organic material that can biologically decompose under anaerobic conditions. Compostable items can be added to a compost bin and will turn into useable soil. They cannot contain or be treated with any chemicals that will pollute the soil or water.
Conflict-free Diamond = A diamond with a certified and traceable origin that does not come from a region of the world in conflict and the money for which in no way, shape or form is used to fuel civil war or oppression.
Cruelty-free = Cruelty-free products contain no animal bi-products, no ingredients that were tested on animals, and the product itself was not tested on animals. Cruelty-free products can be, but do not have to be, certified by Leaping Bunny.
Cubic zirconium (CZ) = Cubic zirconia is a form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). It is inexpensive, hard, and visually similar to diamonds. It is a green alternative to traditional diamonds, which are often pit-mined and fuel civil war.
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Electric = electric vehicles are green because they are create less pollution and cheaper to run than their gas-powered equivalents.
Energy Star = is "a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency." You can learn more at Energy Star online.
Ethanol = A fuel produced from fermenting plants (usually corn). Ethanol is a renewable energy source. Cellulosic ethanol is derived from cellulose, which means it can be produced from agricultural bi-products or fast growing grasses like switchgrass.
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Fair trade = a "system of exchange that seeks to create greater equity and partnership in international trading system." Fair trade products provide a fair wage to artisans in developing countries and promote environmental stewardship, public accountability and cultural identity. The Green Bride Guide Online uses the same standards set forth by Fairtrade Labeling Organization International.
Fish - The Green Bride Guide Online relies on the categories set forth by the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) = an "is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests." FSC certification ensures that products are made from sustainably harvested wood. Learn more online (www.fscus.org/)
Free-range = The Green Bride Guide Online uses the USDA standards for free-range.
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GMO-free = Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants and animals that have had their genetic make-up changed through bioengineering. There are no current labeling requirements for foods that contain GMOs United States but organic foods cannot contain GMOs and some foods are labeled GMO-free.
Grass-fed = The Green Bride Guide Online uses the USDA definition of Grass-fed. To qualify as grass-fed an animal's diet must be made up solely of grasses, hay and other non-grain vegetation.
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Handmade = Handmade is a qualitative standard. Products listed as handmade should be artisan produced and individually crafted.
Heritage breeds = these breeds are green because they promote the preservation of genetic diversity. The raising of heritage breeds runs counter to industrial agricultural practices, which promote homogeneity.
Hemp = Hemp is plant that is related to marijuana but has no hallucinogenic properties. Hemp requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers to grow than cotton and provides a stronger fiber.
Hormone-free = growth hormones like rBHT are often used in the dairy industry to promote production. Hormone-free means that no hormones were fed, injected or otherwise added to the animal or to its meat at any point in the production or distribution process.
Hybrid Vehicles = hybrid vehicles are vehicles that rely on two sources of energy (most commonly gasoline and electricity). They have better fuel economy than traditional vehicles and produce less pollution.
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IPM = Integrated Pest Management is an agricultural practice that aims to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers through the use of biological and mechanical controls. The Green Bride Guide allows any products that are produced in association with a formal IPM program to be included in the database. For examples see the EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program and the Washington State University's IPM Program. Vendors should specify which program they are associated with in their description.
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Jute = a natural fiber from the genus Corchorus, it is versatile and biodegradable.
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Kosher = The Jewish dietary laws have strict regulations for the production and processing of food. They require the humane slaughter of animals and employ more stringent standards than the USDA for the production of meat and poultry (e.g. ill or "downer" cows cannot be eaten). All kosher products can be listed in the database but should indicate which certifying agency or hechsher they use.
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Local = Grown within 100 miles of the vendor's place of business.
Leaping Bunny Certified = products that are cruelty-free and are certified by Leaping Bunny.
LED = Light-emitting diode (LED) lights require less energy to run than conventional light bulbs.
Linen = Linen is a fiber produced from the flax plant. Flax requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers to grow than cotton and all parts of the plant can used, so nothing is wasted.
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Manmade Diamond = Manmade diamonds are real diamonds but they are produced in a laboratory so they do not have to be mined. For this reason manmade diamonds have less environmental impact than conventionally harvested diamonds.
Microbrews = The Green Bride Guide Online uses the definition set forth by the Brewers Association. A microbrew is a small batch beer produced at a "craft brewery." To qualify, a brewery must produce less than 15,00 barrels (or 17,600 hectoliters) a year.
Modal = a textile made from Beachwood cellulose. It does not require any pesticides to grow and is not produced with oil.
Moissanite = a rare mineral form of silicon carbide (SiC) found in meteorites and mantle rock. Moissanite can now be manufactured in a laboratory, which eliminates the environmental impact of mining.
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Natural Ingredients = The Green Bride Guide Online uses the definition of Natural Ingredients put out by the Natural Ingredient Resource Center. Additionally, products making this claim cannot contain mercury, thimerosal, lead acetate, petroleum distillates, acrylonitrile, ethylacrylate, coal tar, dibutyl phthalate, potassium dichromate, methyl cellosolve, formaldehyde-, DBP-, Toulene, Ammonia, Paraben, nickel, or SLS.
Native Wood = Invasive tree species can devastate naïve eco-systems. The following is the list of sustainably harvested native species currently recognized by The Green Bride Guide Online: Oak, Pine, Cherry Birch, Maple, Ash, Beech, Elm, Black Walnut, Stika Spruce, Sycamore, and Yellow Poplar.
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Organic = To qualify as organic a product does not have to be certified by the Department of Agriculture but must meet the standards set forth by the USDA. To read more about the National Organic Program click here.
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Pasture-raised = animals that are free to roam on grass or prairie lands where they're able to eat nutritious grasses and other plants that their bodies are adapted to digest (instead of being fed corn and other grains).
Peace silk = also known as vegetarian silk, this silk is made from cocoons once the moths have already emerged (instead of from boiled cocoons with the moths still inside).
Pesticide-free = produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, rodenticides or fungicides.
PCW = Not all recycled papers are equal. Post-consumer waste is recycled paper is made from paper that has already been used in the stream of commerce (instead of being made from scrap that are picked up off the factory floor and run back thorough the machine).
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Saa Paper = Paper made from the mulberry tree, which is fast growing. The limbs can be sustainably harvested every year, making it a renewable natural resource and a good alternative to conventional paper.
Shade grown = a term that usually applies to the production of tea and coffee. It differs from "full-sun" production, which requires more pesticides and fertilizers and provides less habitat for native bird species. There are no formal standards for shade-grown varieties, so we accept products that are certified by the Rainforest Alliance or the SMBC Migratory Bird Center (certified "Bird Friendly").
Solar = Solar energy is derived from the sun, which is a renewable resource. Because solar power is harnessed in batteries and does not need to be burned, it is better for air quality and has less impact on climate change than petroleum energy.
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Tencel/Lyocell = Fabric made from wood pulp cellulose. It has less environmental impact than cotton because it does not require the use of pesticides or fertilizers to grow. Although it requires a solvent to produce, the chemicals are recycled so it is less polluting than many alternatives.
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Vegetarian = does not contain ingredients derived from meat, fish, poultry or insect.
Vegan = Does not contain any animal byproducts including eggs, milk, leather, or marrow-based gelatin.
Veriflora = A certification for the sustainable production of flowers. The standards are less environmentally stringent than organic, but include fair labor standards. Products must be certified by Veriflora to carry this label.
Vintage = Between 50-100 years old.
VOCs-free = Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are dangerous chemicals that are volatile (be released into the air) at room temperature. They are common in petroleum fuels, paints, paint thinners, and dry cleaning agents. VOCs-free products will not off gas these substances because they are made without them.
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Wool = Wool is a sustainably harvested fiber made from sheering sheep.
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Yttrium Zirconium Oxide (YZRO2) = A synthetic diamond substitute similar to Cubic Zirconium (see above).
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