The Greener Way to Buy Your Magazines.

Let’s say you’re hosting a party.

Oh wait- you are. 

So, Miss Planner Extraordinaire, isn’t it helpful to know exactly how many people to expect?  You wouldn’t want to waste money or time because you over-estimated, right?

Well, magazines are no different.  And if they know you like theirs, let them know so they can reduce their impact on the environment!

The stack of magazines that face you as you stand in the grocery line certainly present a temptation.  While you wait, why not browse the “Top 20 Bridal Dresses of the Year” or the “Bridesmaids Behaving Badly.”  (True story— I just read an article with that title.  I’m sure I have nothing to worry about though.... right, ladies?? ;-) )

Interestingly enough, buying that magazine on that newsstand (even if you will recycle it after) is not the most eco of choices. And here’s why:

Even if a newsstand sells the majority of its magazines (6 out of 10, let’s say) that means 52 million magazines per month are tossed.  According to the Magazine Publishers of America (MPA), that’s 600,000 tons of paper in a year that was completely wasted (source: E: the Environmental Magazine).

Even if they do get recycled, that’s a considerable amount of resources that were used for no reason other than to entertain your curiosities as you stand in the checkout line.

To be more economical (both in cost and for the environment), signing up for magazine subscriptions is the better solution!

Or, use the Internet.  In addition to some fantastic blogs (nudge, nudge... ;-) ), you can find many wedding tips on magazine’s websites. Eco-Beautiful Weddings (that I blogged about in a previous bost) is also a great e-resource.  

Or maybe just splurge and get yourself that iPad or Nook or Kindle so you can subscribe to any magazine you’d like.  It is for your wedding planning research afterall...

P.S., a Happy Birthday shout-out to my dear friend (and fellow bride-to-be) Becky!!  

Enjoy your day!  :-)