The EPA lists reuse as the top strategy for reducing waste in landfills. Quilters have know the fabulousness of scrap material reuse for centuries, and create masterpieces of art and meaning with them. So I wondered what was possible with the reuse of scrap material for a green wedding or special event. Here are some fun, whimsical, and playful opportunities to integrate reuse of linens!

Feel free to send more ideas my way. This was a lot of fun to research.

1.  Escort Cards: Perfect for the DIY bride who may have integrated customized vintage table runners into her tablescapes. From Martha Stewart .com here is a very cute way to guide your guests to their tables. Find DIY directions online here.

2. Flower Vessels: Are you like me and can’t bare to throw out (or recycle) beautiful glass milk containers, ceramic yogurt jars, and other sweet food vessels? Then reusing them with vintage scrap fabric can create a gorgeous alternative to your usual flower vases, and could be a very unique approach to your special event centerpieces. 100 Layer Cake shows you how to re-create these vessel alternatives here.

 3. Bunting Banner: Festive for yourbackyard or any special event, bunting banners easily utilize scrap material, old curtains, or plastic shower curtail you can’t bare to chuck away. Decide on a color palate or range of colors, find some fun scrap materials, grab your pinking sheers, make a cardboard triangle template, and start cutting! Crafting a Green World.com has directions for you online here.

4. Napkins & more: Check out this article from Apartment Therapy which has multiple uses for your home, but might be translated to an event. Like  lavender sachet’s as favors for your guests, or re-creating fabric scraps as napkins!

Head’s up on this amazing workshop with the founders of Cafe Gratitude, in Los Angeles May 1st & 2nd. We’ll be participating in the March 20th, 21st workshop in San Francisco, and I’m so excited!

The foundation of being in relationship is explored with the guidance of Cafe Gratitude founders, Mathew and Terces Engelhart. Personally, I’ve declared them  models in relationship and marriage for myself, and I can’t wait to deepen my understanding of the love that they embody and radiate!

Check out all their powerful workshops through out the year. But if you are getting married this year, and live in LA, I say this one in particular is a must!

Not just a trend anymore, the recent Forbes.com article on green weddings proves eco-nuptuals are here to stay. And, it’s not just couples that are making the shift to green weddings, the article points to a change in the midset of caterers as well as the onset of the ever popular eco-bridal registry.

“[Another trend is]… caterers’ use of local produce and a decrease in portion sizes–both in response to seeing so much food waste.”

Congratulations to green wedding planner Sarah Shewey ,of Pink Cloud Evens in LA, for a great interview. Green weddings are not just about the wedding, and Shewey knows how great it feels when lifestyles are changed as well.

“There’s an education process that affects the bride’s lifestyle after the wedding, which we get really excited about,” she says. “The wedding is a small reflection and projection of what our lifestyle is going to be, so being able to incorporate things like fashion and makeup and hair, something all of us girls do every day, is cool.”

It’s amazing to think that green weddings can have, and do have, a lasting effect on couples. One couple interviewed said “Before this, we didn’t do anything…it didn’t even cross our mind.” Now they are more concious and aware of their daily impacts. What a great feeling!!

“Yay” for fabulous green wedding planners, couples, and all the eco-vendors that help make this life ritual/passage possible AND responsible! Thanks to all!!

We love the gorgeous spring garden bouquet’s from San Francisco’s Flora Grubb. Their wild, natural beauty speaks to the soul!

Flora Grubb designers use local, in season, and foraged flowers. Their unique hand picked approach is such a fabulous look for any green event or home desktop (hint to the boyfriend!). Learn how to create your own on their blog-(floragrubb.com/cutting) be sure to scroll down! Enjoy!!