New recycling initiative by greenKarat

13 Sep '07

2 min read

Green weddings can also be affordable weddings. Couples are now asking loved ones to contribute unused jewelry to make their rings. That saves money on the rings, and the environment is better for it.

A new recycling initiative by greenKarat encourages couples to collect old and unused jewelry from family and friends. The collected gold is then used to make the couple's wedding
rings.

"It's very romantic to know that your wedding rings contain gold given by your loved ones," says Matthew White, President of greenKarat, which offers the myKarat program. "Every marriage creates a blending of families.

Why not symbolize that union with wedding rings made from family gold?" Green weddings have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Couples are choosing recycled paper invitations and buying carbon offsets to mitigate global warming.

They see the wedding as a chance to practice and share their environmental philosophy, and recycled gold rings are a natural extension.

A focal point of the concern is the environmental damage caused by gold mining, demand for which is driven mostly by jewelry sales. As a result, some couples are now choosing to buy antique wedding rings, or use old family rings.

Others are opting for recycled gold rings. Since using post-consumer gold is the most effective means to reduce demand for mining, the solution may well lay in jewelry already on hand. Think broken chains and unused class rings as a source for metal. Add Grandma's diamond, and you have a bridal set.

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