Many couples are getting engaged and planning their futures together. However, the threat of climate change and the unsustainable practices of our modern society are causing a lot of stress and anxiety that are affecting a lot of people. So, nowadays, it is fashionable to think of sustainability in every aspect of life, including in how we plan weddings. There are many things you can do to have a sustainable wedding, including with the rings that the bride and groom will wear on the big day and the rest of their lives.
Here is a guide to help you pick out which rings will have less environmental footprint.
Recycled Wedding Band Material
One way to be more sustainable is by using a recycled wedding band material for your ring. You can get one made out of gold, silver, platinum, or some other metal. This is great because it reduces the amount of mining waste and also decreases the need to forge new materials for marriage bands.
Wood Rings
It is not common to see couple wearing wedding rings made of wood, but that makes it cool and unique. The material is more sustainable because wood does not need to be mined, and trees can be planted and grown to replace those which were cleared to create your wedding ring and other wood-based products.
And don’t worry about durability because wood is actually very sturdy and long-lasting. Your ring, even if it is made of wood, can last a long time with proper care.
Lab-Grown Gems
Gemstones that are mined from the earth can be incredibly beautiful and valuable. However, getting these gemstones out of the ground causes a lot of damage to nature, including deforestation. Some places need to be excavated to access rare gemstones, which also destroys homes for animals in the area. Fortunately, there are options that are much more sustainable.
One option is lab-grown gems, which are the equivalent to real gemstones in terms of quality, durability, and beauty but are also made without taking natural resources from our planet. You can get sustainable wedding rings that are just as shiny and colorful as mined gemstones for a fraction of the cost. Your marriage band will be just as beautiful, but your purchase will be better for the environment.
Vintage Rings
Another option you can consider is buying vintage wedding rings. This means that your marriage band was made decades ago, when metal mining became more widespread and industrialized. You can find antique or older rings at estate sales, online selling platforms like eBay, or other places where people sell old items. You can also use the same wedding or engagement ring that your grandparents and parents used for their own wedding, making it more special.
There are many benefits to getting this type of wedding band. First, it has already been mined and created by the company, so you don’t need to worry about mining more metal. Second, you can find rings at a cheaper price because they are technically used goods. However, vintage rings may also cost more because they are rare pieces and, therefore, more precious.
A Tattoo
Some couples are opting to wear no wedding rings at all! This is a trend that has been growing these past couple of years and had started to become more trendy. Sometimes, it can be too expensive to buy an eco-friendly ring or the couple wants to use their budget on something else instead. Plus, there are currently not as many options for those who want an environmentally-friendly wedding band.
Aside from low-cost, it is also a sign of commitment that is more difficult to remove. It is especially preferable for those who like to get a tattoo to commemorate special memories and milestones in their lives. Celebrities such as Beyonce and Jay-Z, Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo, and Armie Hammer all have ring tattoos in honor of their respective partners.
It’s a cool choice for those who want to do away with the traditional wedding ring for any reason, whether to better express their individuality or for environmental purposes. It’s still a commitment and it will last a lifetime.
Whether your ring is made of wood, lab-grown gems, or other sustainable materials, there are many eco-friendly options out there. Your wedding band can be as unique as you are. There’s an option to suit every type of couple and budget so that everyone can have a sustainable option for their marriage ceremony. You just need to find the right one for you!
