To recycle or to compost...

Over the last few years I have been taking steps to reduce my contribution landfills. I am by no means perfect and could still do better, but I try to do what I can.

Having an outdoor wedding and not renting plates and dishes presented a bit of a problem then. Here's an overview of the phases we went through on this topic...

Idea 1: use a large variety of mismatched dishes purchased at garage sales and thrift stores.

Plus: it would look cool, and be unique

Problem: it would take a lot of time to go buy them, wash them, get them all from the house to the tent, clean after the wedding, and with a buffet style wedding may not be ideal

Idea 2: Nicer looking plastic plates

Plus: fairly inexpensive, and we can stock enough for people to have multiple plates

Problem: I hate the idea of putting 300 plastic plates in to the garbage to sit in landfills. To recycle them we would have had to brought them back to Ann Arbor where we have free curbside, but at the time only #1 and #2 plastics were accepted

Idea 3: use 100% compostable plates, cups, and cutlery

Plus: I love the idea of these, and they make a bold statement. When bought in bulk, really not all that expensive

Problem: If thrown away, compostable products don't get a chance to break down in landfills. My mom has a brand new large composter we were going to put everything in

Then...the city of Ann Arbor revamped their recycling program! We can now recycle #1,2,4,5,6,7 curbside in a large bin. What timing!

I have done research on every product (cups, plates, bowls, and cutlery) to make sure that we are getting the best deal, with plastics that can be recycled. Next to every trash can at the wedding there will be a very clearly labeled can for plastics - which we will hose off before putting in our recycling bin. There will also be some table signage to get the idea in everyone's mind before they walk up the cans.

So in the end, recycling won! I love the idea of the compostable items, but given the cost and number of people we will be feeding, this is just a better option for us right now.

If compostable products could break down in a landfill I would be on board, but right now they are mostly a marketing scheme. They are still made of more natural materials that are not harmfull to the environment, but the packaging is a little misleading.

I have put almost as much time in to researching this as I have a lot of the other details. I think I was annoyingly obsessive about it at times, but I think I have landed on the most informed decision I can.