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Renewable Energy Utilities

Dear Co-op America,
I would like to switch to clean, green power. How can I find out if it's available in my state?
—Joe in Portland, ME

For a complete list of green energy utilities across the country, visit the US Department of Energy’s Web site and use the clickable map to find options in your state. If your area doesn’t offer green power, you can offset your the carbon dioxide emissions of your conventional power by purchasing “green tags,” or compensatory energy credits that add renewable power to the grid equal to the power you use at home. Numerous green tag programs exist; one with which Co-op America has a partnership is NativeEnergy (800/924-6826).

Greening Your Wedding

Dear Co-op America,
We'd like to green our wedding. Do you have any suggestions? — A Couple in Love, via E-mail

First of all, congratulations to the happy couple!  And yes, there are many ways to green a wedding or commitment ceremony. The first step can often be choosing what not to buy, says Michelle Kozin, founder of OrganicWeddings.com. Carefully consider each element of your ceremony and reception, and see if you can’t replace a few traditions with simpler, eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, instead of sending out traditional virgin-pulp paper invitations complete with three envelopes and tissue paper, try handmade-paper invitations from Greenfield Paper Company (619/583-3314) or Twisted Limb Paperworks (812/876-9352), made from a blend of recycled paper, junk mail, and tree-free materials. Or, you might send your invitations via a free e-mail service like Evite.com.

If you’d like to exchange rings, consider purchasing from a sustainable company to avoid the serious labor and environmental problems plaguing the mining of gold and many precious gems. Check out companies like Leber Jeweler (708/246-1455) or GreenKarat (800/330-4605), which sell wedding, anniversary, and commitment bands made from recycled gold and platinum. Or Sumiche (541/896-9841) sells handcrafted gold and platinum rings from responsibly mined sources.

For wedding wear, consider renting. Yes, it’s easy for men to find tuxedos to rent, but women can also find rentable formalwear. Check the “Formalwear—Rental” category of your local Yellow Pages. You can also check consignment shops or vintage stores for secondhand suits or wedding gowns, or peruse the classifieds at NearlyNewBridal.com. The Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation (503/252-3955) also sells used wedding gowns at events across the country to support its mission of granting wishes to terminal breast cancer patients. Or, you can have a tailor make your gown out of a natural eco-fabric like peace silk (made without killing the silk worm), organic cotton, or a hemp-silk blend. OrganicWeddings.com offers eco-fabrics suitable for wedding gowns.

For the reception, keep as many of your purchases as possible local to keep your money in your local economy. Ask your catering company if it can provide organic food, and serve organic beer and wine, and Fair Trade coffee or tea. Avoid using disposable dishware, if possible. And consider holding the event at a locally owned banquet hall or building. When it comes to green decor, consider buying organic flowers from a local shop or OrganicBouquet.com, or using 100-percent soy or vegetable wax candles, rented plants, potted plants, or rented or secondhand lights.

For more suggestions, be sure to visit OrganicWeddings.com.

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