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How Green is Your Engagement?

You're about to pop the question; see how your green knowledge holds up.

By Blythe Copeland

Which of the following is NOT a reason to choose synthetic, conflict-free or antique diamonds (because you know most ladies want a diamond)?

They're not as sparkly

They're less expensive

They don't hold their value as well

They're less sentimental

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

The recent influx of diamond alternatives—plus trips to estate sales and antique stores—can help you find a ring that matches her taste and your politics. Worst case? See if she'll agree to a non-traditional gem, like a pearl, ruby, or amethyst.

When and why did diamonds become an engagement standard?

In the mid 1800s, during the Gold Rush

In the late 1800s, as the country recuperated after the Civil War

In the early 1900s, as part of the Industrial Revolution

In the mid 1900s, as the result of a marketing campaign

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

The De Beers company secured its place in history by turning diamonds into a must-have and coining the slogan, "A Diamond is Forever."

When it comes to picking out environmentally-friendly fibers for your linens, which is the better choice?

Organic cotton

Bamboo

Silk

Polyester

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

Silk is an impractical choice when it comes to towels and tablecloths, but it is sustainable (though not vegan, obviously). Bamboo is sustainable but turning it into fabric requires a supply of toxic chemicals. Organic cotton gets our vote in this round, since it doesn't necessitate the pesticides and chemicals of conventional cotton.

How many trees does it take to manufacture one ton of the paper used for wedding magazines (about 2,000 bridal magazines)?

500

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

According to Conservatree, "1 ton of coated, higher-end magazine paper...uses a little more than 15 trees." It's 15.36, to be exact; a magazine made of 30% post-consumer recycled material would save 5 trees. That adds up when you consider that the U.S. prints about 350 million magazines annually.

How long does the average couple spend planning their wedding?

6 months

12 months

15 months

24 months

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

That gives you plenty of time to research all your options—and choose the greenest ones right from the start.

You just can't narrow down your bridesmaids—so you wound up with seven attendants. What's the number 1 way to keep them eco-friendly?

Design smaller bouquets

Serve them all the vegetarian meal at dinner

Rent hybrid cars to get them from the ceremony to the reception

Let them choose their own dresses—but all in the same color

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

Giving them their choice of dress helps cut back on waste, since there's a better chance they'll wear it again than there is if you expect them all to squeeze into the same chartreuse sheath (yikes). Small bouquets are your second-best bet, though it's more important for the flowers to be local and organic.

Moving in together? It's time to make some decisions about what to do with all your single-life stuff: furniture she hates, dishes he refuses to eat off of. What to do?

Keep all of it in storage in case you need it in the future

Donate (or sell) it to a consignment store: you'll get a tax break and someone else will be able to reuse your old items

Rent a dumpster and throw it all away—before you move, so you don’t expend the energy on shipping

Try to return it to the store in exchange for new goods

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

Throwing away household items that are in good condition just adds to the dumpsters and landfills that are already at capacity. Instead, give your old items a second life by donating or selling them.

If you're staying put, you can still green your space—which of these won't end with you losing your security deposit?

Putting plastic over the windows for cold-weather insulation

Installing solar panels on the roof

Both

Neither

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

Most rental properties frown on you making any changes to the outside structure, which means solar panels are out; instead, make smaller adjustments, like using VOC-free paint and putting up removable window coverings in the winter.

Which of the following is the greenest place to go for a wedding gift?

Tiffany

Etsy

Goodwill

The atm

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

Finding a store that supports artisans in your area is win-win: you'll support local businesses and wind up with one-of-a-kind gifts. If you can't come up with one, you can choose handmade goods from Etsy.com—but the greenest gift to give (and likely the one they want most) is good old cash.

Which of the following is not a major green issue you need to discuss during your engagement?

If either of you hopes to live off-grid

How far you're willing to go for vacation—and if you'll purchase carbon offsets

Whose chore it is to take out the recycling

If you could ever be a one-car family

Correct! You chose: Sorry, you chose:

We're all for splitting up the household responsibilities, but when it comes to major life goals, spend your time focusing on the bigger picture; the recycling always makes its way to the curb eventually.

Correct

Ouch. Looks like you better keep that ring in the box a little longer. Planet Green has all you need to make your engagement green.

Correct

Not bad. With a little work, you will be able to have a memorable engagement that doesn't leave a permanent mark on the planet.

Correct

Nice job! Looks like you're ready to tie the knot—with a green rope.

What do you want to do next?

friend's name:
email:
your name:
email:
message:

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