If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll know how passionate I am about sustainability in my business and alongside working towards my Sustainable Wedding Alliance accreditation I’d love to share some ways for you to incorporate love for the planet into your wedding days too!
I’m fresh from watching ‘Buy Now’ on Netflix and discovering that it’s estimated in some areas that flip flops account for a staggering 25% of ocean plastic pollution.
Something spotted fairly regularly at weddings is a basket of flip flips or slippers for guests to wear on the dance floor. While the very sweet intention is to offer an option to keep everyone comfortable and dancing the night away, the environmental consequences are definitely worth considering.
The environmental cost of flip flops..
Flip flops may seem like a practical solution for aching feet and keeping your guests on the dance floor, but not only do they rarely get used at weddings, leaving the couple with a large number of leftovers – they also come with a hefty environmental price tag. Almost 3 billion flip flops are made every year, and in some areas of the world they account for a staggering 25% of ocean plastic pollution. Made primarily from non-biodegradable materials like PVC and rubber, these shoes contribute to the growing crisis of plastic waste that pollutes our oceans and landscapes.
So what can we do as an alternative to flip flops at our wedding?
I get it, you want to make sure your pals are on the dance floor til the very end! So instead of providing flip flops, here are some eco-friendly alternatives that can keep the party going without compromising the environment:
1. BYO
Encourage guests to bring their own comfortable shoes! Super simple, pop a note on your invitations/wedding website to remind everyone that they may want to wear comfy footwear for the day, or pack some spares. Some examples might be…
‘In an effort to reduce waste we’ve chosen not to provide flip-flops for the dance floor, so please wear comfy shoes or bring along a change so we can dance the night away!’
‘The newlyweds will be switching into trainers for the evening party and encourage you to do the same – there will be plenty of space to pop your belongings under your tables.’
2. Barefoot Dance Floor
Create a barefoot-friendly dance area by ensuring the floor is clean and safe for guests to dance without shoes – no drinks on the dance floor please! This can add a unique and relaxed vibe to your party too!
3. Eco-Friendly Options
If you absolutely must have an alternative for your guests, have a look at 100% cotton slippers that can offer comfort without the long-lasting impact of plastic flip flops. After the wedding, they can be composted rather than thrown away.
I’d love to know if you have any other sustainable ideas as an alternative to flip flops on your wedding dance floor!
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