Planet Pink n Green called my attention to an amazing site called Branch, that specializes in sustainable living and has a wedding registry! Branch believes that products should be made in the most environmentally-responsible way possible, and that the best way to promote this practice is to do it in the marketplace.
Just as the willingness of a once-small number of consumers to seek out (and occasionally pay a premium for) organic produce is now changing the face of food production and consumption, we believe that we – and more importantly, you – can drive meaningful change in the world’s product-consumption habits, purchase by purchase.
Factors that make a product “sustainable” are assessed as follows:
1. The materials used must be environmentally responsible (recycled and/or recyclable, organic, biodegradable, non-toxic).
2. The manufacturing process must be ecologically sound (efficient use of energy, materials and other resources, such as using a renewable energy source).
3. The labor employed must be treated fairly and provided safe, healthy conditions in which to work. (Must come from fairly-traded sources or low-impact sources such as FSC-certified forests).
Check out some of the beautiful, environmentally responsible objects available at Branch, including furniture, such as this chair made of 100% recycled plastic, and room divider hand-made from FSC-certified wood and cotton rope:
Looking for some pretty objects to liven up your decor? Try these Bubble Pitcher + Cups
made from recycled glass stock, processed using wind power. Or treat your feet to the Seat Slice: Pink rug, handmade from 100% virgin wool felt.
For your kitchen, I love these 100% organically-grown bamboo bowls and serving pieces!
If you are having an event that requires disposable paper goods, try these biodegradable options:
Want some decorative pillows? Here are a few pretty options, made from hand-stitched linen and cotton or 100% reclaimed ultra-suede:
Dress up your bed in a 320 thread count, organically grown, cotton duvet, printed with non-toxic water-based dyes.
What wedding registry would be complete without a few sets of towels? At Branch, you get to wrap yourself in 100% sustainably harvested beech wood fibers! 9 pretty colors to choose from!
Start growing your own plants, spices, and veges! Get started with Branch’s “Egg plants” and “Garden in a Bag” options, including basil, oregano, chives, sage, red pepper, lavender, mint, dill, strawberry, parsley, English Thyme, and cilantro.
Some of the items pictured are pricey, but there is a page for Gifts under $30 and Gifts under $100. Happy Shopping!