Rec Center Reception

Joe Rosen (pictured on the right above with his younger brother Zev) had his Bar Mitzvah on Dec. 6, 2008 in Woodbridge, CT. His parents, Eve and Marc, took a number of steps to decrease the impact of the event, starting with the invitation. Instead of choosing a paper invitation, they used Wedding Windows to create a website with all of the information on it and sent out an electronic save-the-date and RSVP link.

To decrease the carbon footprint of the event, both the ceremony and reception were held at the synagogue. They avoided buying new or disposable items by borrowing what they could and renting the rest.

Clothing
Everyone (Eve, Marc, Joe and Zev) wore outfits that they already owned. The family also chose to skip buying monogrammed kippot and a new tallis. "Joe really did not want a tallis, so we just borrowed one from the synagogue - I certainly did feel pressure to buy one but I resisted. We also used the kippot available at the synagogue." said Eve.

Decor
They saved paper at the reception by renting glassware and decorated the tables with live potted plants. The plants were used again to decorate the tables at brunch the next day, and at the end of the party guests were invited to take them home.

Party
Instead of a traditional dance party, the family hosted a small reception at a local rec center so "no plastic toys, dj, etc were used." The kids enjoyed ice skating...

..and the adults enjoyed laser tag!

For dinner, guests were served local lamb and organic fava bean soup, prepared by Robin Bodak. For decoration, Eve borrowed paper flowers and lanterns from a friend, who had used them for her daughter's bat mitzvah a few months earlier.

Music for the dinner was played on borrowed speakers and "a cousin and uncle provide an ipod with music for evening party."

Mom's Take on Going Green
"Thinking green gave me a whole new paradigm to consider my choices for Joe's Bar Mitzvah. There were many things I had often thought were wasteful or unnecessary ( like buying kippah instead of using the ones already at any synagogue ), and I found considering the environmental impact freed me up to just say no to certain things and spend less time and money on others while still having a celebration that we enjoyed."

Planning Resources

Question

Dear Kate,

Right now, we are in the stage of planning where we are looking for a florist, and subsequently ideas for centerpieces and bouquets, and we're also beginning to look for invitations. Do you have any advice on how to ensure green centerpieces, bouquets and invitations? Thanks so much!

B'Shalom,
Gail

Answer
Hi Gail,

First, if you have not already, I recommend taking a look in the interactive look book. There you can find hundreds of links to vendors that offer environmentally friendly invitations, flowers and centerpieces. If you are crafty and want to make invitations I also recommend looking in the DIY section.

If you want to use local flowers, you can check local harvest to find growers, or call around and see if any of the florists in your area are able to use local, seasonal and organic blooms. For centerpieces consider potted plants, or baskets of sustainable goods.

Finally, to answer your general question - the best way to avoid "greenwashing" and to find reliable eco-friendly products is to rely on certifying agencies (e.g. USDA organic food, FSC certified wood products, or Fair Trade Certified favors). When dealing with local companies or vendors I think the easiest way to tell if they are green is to just ask questions. Ask potential florists where they source their flowers from, whether they can avoid using disposable florist tape and foam, and if they can donate the flowers for you after the celebration. Ask caterers where they get their meat, what they do with empty can and bottles, and whether they can compost or donate leftovers. In my experience, companies and people who are committed to being green will be eager to talk about these details - while companies that are hoping to sneak through with an eco-sounding name will try to change the topic quickly. Go with the gut.

That said, if you have a particular theme or item in mind and want specific suggestions please let me know - I am more than happy to help!

Mazel tov to your family and all the best,

Kate

Donate Your Flowers

Question:

Hi Kate, I would like to know about how to find a service that will pick up flowers and take them to nursing homes or hospitals.

Answer:
As far as I know there are no groups or service providers out there who do this (if anyone reading this knows of one please comment below!). However, you still have a few options.

First, if you are having your reception at the synagog, see if they want to use your flowers to decorate the beema for the coming week.

Second, it is not uncommon for florists to take on the role of post-party clean up and organization. If you have not signed a florist contract yet, or even if you have, see if your florist is willing to pick up and deliver the flowers to a worthy cause. Many florists already have relationships with charities and deliver leftover flowers as a matter of course.

Alternatively you can ask a friend or relative to take on the task. Make a few phone calls (or ask your friend or family member to make the calls) to hospitals, nursing homes, and other charities in the area and see if they are willing to accept flower donations so you/they can make the proper arrangements (no pun intended).

I hope you will come back and let us know what you were able to work out (and share pictures of the flowers you used!)

Mazel tov and all the best,

Kate

Local Flowers

Qusstion:

HI Kate,

I am a mom looking for seasonal flowers. Do you know what I can use in New England in the fall?

Thanks!

Answer:

Because what is available varies significantly by region and season, I recommend using a floral chart - like the one available at Bliss Wedding Floral. While it only offers a limited list, it allows you to search by region + season and shows color pictures of the blooms (which is key). Also take a peak at the Wedding Flowers Guide which has a slightly more detailed list.

Another great option is to browse a comprehensive list for another region like the fabulous one for California put out by the California Cut Flower Commission and ask you florist what she can get in CT.

It is also worth looking at floral books, and a number now discuss seasonal options (like Wedding Flower by Paul Pryke). I recommend popping into a book store so you can browse more thoroughly.


Finally, contact a local farm via Local Harvest and see what they sell during that time of year.

I can't wait to see the results.

Good luck and all the best,

Kate