Eco-Strategy

Green products are made from environmentally friendly materials (e.g. organic cotton wedding gowns) or use production processes that reduce the impact on the environment (e.g. pesticideâ€free flowers).

Alternative Energy In general, alternative energy is that which is produced without the undesired consequences of the burning of fossil fuels, such as high carbon dioxide emissions, the major contributing factor of global warming according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Alternative Energy products are those that are produced with or use alternative energy sources, including solar, wind, and water.	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.
Biodynamic To qualify as biodynamic, a product must meet the criteria established by Demeter, although formal certification is not required.	Carbon Offsetting An investment in any instrument or program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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.	DIY Do it yourself, or DIY, offers an alternative to mass-produced and wasteful products and services for the crafty person. For example, you can make your own name cards, using recycled papers and soy-based inks.
Edible Edible means the item can be consumed, and does not need to be placed in a landfill.	Ethically Produced Ethically produced items are made by people earning a living wage, and without causing harm to the environment or the workers. Ethically produced coffee would be shade-grown and grown by owners in the coffee farm or employees who earn a living wage, as determined by the region they live in.
Ethically Sourced To be ethically sourced, an item typically constructed of component parts must only use items which have been ethically produced.	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.
For a Cause For a cause means that some portion of the proceeds go to benefit a cause, declared by the sellers or makers of the product.	Handmade Handmade is a qualitative standard. Products listed as handmade should be artisan produced and individually crafted.
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.	Live Plants Live plants are better than dead flowers because when the wedding is over, you don't have to throw them out.