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A wedding anniversary is a special day, where you celebrate love and the journey you’ve shared. But what if you could also party in a sustainable way?
So, in a world that needs sustainability more than all before, finding ways to reduce your carbon footprint—even when celebrating—can make the day even more meaningful.
Celebrating one year together — or fifty, there are so many eco-friendly ways to celebrate the occasion.
In our family, we celebrate all occasions including the wedding anniversaries in an eco-friendly way. Last year we celebrated my sister’s anniversary and also my parent’s 30th anniversary in a sustainable way.
So, let me share some sustainable wedding anniversary celebration ideas that may help you to celebrate yours in an eco-friendly way.
1. Pick a Green Venue For Your Celebration
Where you celebrate can have a big impact on the environment. Search for sustainability-oriented places. Last year my sister celebrated the anniversary at a farm-to-table restaurant and we had great fun.
You can find eco-lodges, nature reserves, or even a botanical garden to host a small gathering. If you’re lucky enough to have good weather, why not take this party outside?
Besides saving electricity, parks and gardens also bring you closer to nature. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED-certified buildings save up to 30% in energy use.
2. Plan a Zero-Waste Dinner Date
Everyone loves to go on a romantic dinner date. But not one without loads of wastage. It does not matter, if you are going out or staying in, you can plan a zero-waste dinner date.
Look for restaurants that use local organic ingredients. If you’re cooking at home, use seasonal produce and try to avoid using disposable napkins and cutlery. In our house, we always use cloth napkins and reusable dinnerware.
Last year, for my parents’ 30th, we cooked a plant-based dinner with vegetables from our own garden (in the suburbs). We also have a backyard composting setup at my parent’s place.
3. Give Eco-Friendly Anniversary Gifts
For your anniversary instead of gifting those disposable things, that come with heavy plastic packaging, you can gift eco-friendly alternatives like ethically-made jewelry, potted plants, or experience-based gifts
Last year, for my sister’s anniversary, we gifted her a membership to a local environmental organization. If you’re crafty, you can make something yourself using upcycled materials.
You can also try experience-based gifts, like a weekend hike. You can read my detailed article on eco-friendly hiking practices.
4. Plant a Tree or Garden Together
Do you want to represent your growing love? Plant a tree or start a garden together! My parents celebrated their 30th anniversary by planting a tree in bloom to grow outside of our home.
It’s now a permanent reminder of their love – and great for the environment. If you have no yard, then a program that plants trees might be up your alley. This small act helps neutralize some of your daily carbon emissions.
5. Renew Your Vows in an Intimate Eco-Friendly Ceremony
So if you’re considering renewing your vows, Keep it simple and sustainable. All you need to do is eliminate a big decorated, wasteful party.
Instead, host a small outdoor ceremony with a focus on natural beauty. Reuse or repurpose decorations, and consider wearing your original wedding attire (or second-hand).
I’ve seen some beautiful vow renewal ceremonies that used dried flowers, which are not only stunning but also sustainable.
6. Adopt an Animal or Wildlife
Symbolically adopt an animal in the name of your love through a wildlife conservation organization.
A great way to support the continued existence of endangered species and further conservation initiatives on the local level. It’s a wonderful way to show your love for the planet as well as each other.
7. Create a Home Herb Garden Together
If you and your partner love to cook, you both can create a small indoor or outdoor herb garden together. It will help lower your carbon footprint.
Also, it will leave you with some fresh herbs to cook with in the long term. It is something that you can do year after year to celebrate your anniversary.
8. Host a Green Anniversary Party
If you love celebrating with family and friends, throw an eco-friendly anniversary party! Use reusable or compostable tableware, serve food of a local origin, and decorate with easily reused/upcycled objects.
For my parents’ anniversary, we hosted a small garden party, using potted plants as centerpieces, which later became gifts for the guests.
9. Handmade Candlelight Dinner
Having a romantic candlelight dinner at home is more sensual when you make your own candles. Setting the mood of the evening can be done tastefully by opting for eco-friendly beeswax or soy wax candles.
Not to mention, crafting the candles together gives that extra something special for a night that’ll make your anniversary night unforgettable.
10. Build a Birdhouse Together
You can construct a birdhouse or feeder. Create a wildlife-friendly nesting space in your yard by using reclaimed wood or sustainable materials.
It’s an eco-friendly project that you can enjoy together and watch as birds move in.
11. Eco-Friendly Stargazing
What is more romantic than a night under the stars? Drive away from the city lights, and enjoy a serene night under the stars.
Pack zero-waste snacks with you and a blanket made from organic cotton or recycled materials for an even more sustainable experience. This simple celebration is perfect for those who love nature without creating any waste.
12. Host a Zero-Waste Barbecue or Grilling Session
For couples who love to grill, consider hosting a zero-waste barbecue! Try using plant-based, locally sourced foods and use reusable plates, utensils, and napkins.
It’s a fun and delicious way to celebrate your anniversary while keeping your environmental impact low.
13. Plan a Sustainable Getaway
Here are some destinations to help green your anniversary travel. Stay in a green hotel or eco-lodge committed to water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
Staying in the States: Consider eco-tourism U.S. destinations National parks like Yellowstone — are great places in the U.S. to practice sustainable travel.
You can also take a low-impact trip like a bike tour or a camping trip in a nearby state park. I have also written a detailed blog post about eco-friendly camping practices.
14. Make a Donation to an Environmental Cause
No physical gifts – Instead of buying something for each other, donate together to a charity you both care about. My parents donated to a wildlife conservation organization for their 30th anniversary.
There was something a little more special with this one, it felt like they were celebrating their love and values in that way which I could appreciate. Investigate charities that align with your beliefs, and know that your celebration will help make a difference.
For your next wedding anniversary you can plant a tree, host a zero-waste dinner, or take a sustainable trip, there are so many ways that show love for your partner and the planet. My family has found so much joy in our eco-friendly celebrations, and I know you can too.
