Candles look nice, but are they the best idea?
So, you’re planning your dream eco-friendly wedding, and you have the organic flowers, local food, and composting service all lined up. What could make it even greener? Giving some thought to making your wedding less toxic.
Now, I’m not talking about industrial waste or anything like that. But some people are more sensitive to toxins in the environment than others. Even small amounts of substances that are found everywhere can be too much for those people. And there are things you can do to reduce them. It’s not just good for your sensitive guests, it’s good for everyone. And if you’re one of those highly sensitive people getting married, you probably already know about this, but I hope you’ll find the reminders helpful as you plan.
So, what could be toxic at your wedding? Let’s start with the candles on the tables at your reception. Chances are, they are wax candles made from petroleum. When you burn them, they give off–you guessed it!–petroleum smoke. And that is one of the things that’s toxic in a small way. Consider soy candles, beeswax candles, or flameless LED candles, instead. They all have pros and cons, but they are all better than paraffin wax candles on the toxicity scale.
Here’s another one: Perfume. Synthetic scents are among the worst offenders for people who have a low tolerance. Even essential oils can cause problems. That applies to scented candles or decorations, as well as personal care products. Sure, they smell nice, but what’s in them? A professor at the University of Washington has started analyzing some of them and found some disturbing results. Suffice it to say, you’re better off without a lot of synthetic fragrances.
Here’s another one you might not think of: Has your venue been renovated recently? Is there fresh paint or new carpeting? Often, those are things that give off volatile organic compounds, sometimes for months after they are used or installed. If you want a non-toxic wedding or event, you might have to ask venues some probing questions before you sign a contract.
If having a non-toxic wedding is important to you, I can help. If you need a guide, this is something I know a lot about. It’s not always easy to navigate this area, whether you are planning a wedding or doing anything else. The good news is that it is worthwhile to think about it in advance to make your celebration accessible to all your guests–or to keep yourself healthy.
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