GreenBirdi

When we started planning our wedding, I knew I wanted it to feel beautiful, meaningful, and… well, not wasteful. Weddings can be such a whirlwind of single-use everything, and I didn’t want to look back knowing so much of it ended up in the trash. The thing is, I also didn’t want to spend more money to make it sustainable.

As it turns out, you really don’t have to. With a little creativity, DIY-ing, and a few thoughtful swaps, we had the wedding we dreamed of without a bigger budget or a bigger footprint. Here’s exactly what we did.

DIY Magic

I wanted something simple but eye-catching above the dance floor, so I strung fake flowers together and hung them under the tent.I made my own hanging flower strands for the tent. They were lightweight, easy to string up, and looked exactly like I had pictured. It was a budget-friendly project that added a big impact, and afterward I was able to pass them along to another bride.

Skipping the Linens Altogether

We rented beautiful wood harvest tables for the reception, and honestly, they were so pretty on their own that covering them with linens felt like a shame. So we didn’t! We also noticed that a lot of people seem to be buying linens from Temu, but that they usually end up getting tossed because you can buy them brand new for very cheap. No tablecloth rentals, no extra laundry, no transport costs — just bare wood with a bunch of candles, flowers, and vases. It looked elegant, natural, and intentional.

Multi-Use Florals

All flowers we had worked double duty. Ceremony arrangements were brought into the reception space afterward, and bridesmaids’ bouquets became decor for the head and cake tables. I also kept my bridal bouquet after the wedding to dry and press the flowers. Later, I placed them in a floating frame, which now hangs in our home and is an awesome, sentimental keepsake from the day.

DIY Table Number Trifolds

Instead of printing separate menus, bar menus, and table numbers, I made my own trifold cards. One side had the table number, one side had the dinner menu, and the third side had the bar menu. It cut down on printing, kept the tables uncluttered, and gave guests all the info they needed in one place. Plus, because they were DIY, I could customize the design exactly how I wanted.

Food & Drink Choices That Made Sense

We chose a caterer that uses local, in-season ingredients, keeping our menu focused on what's freshest and most sustainable. This meant better flavour for our guests and lower transport emissions. We also skipped anything that came in individual packaging, so there was less waste to clean up at the end of the night.

Less Paper, More Purpose

Beyond the trifolds, we used digital invitations and RSVPs instead of printed ones. This choice saved us over $500 (the average cost of sending paper invites through the mail) and it made it so much easier to keep track of RSVPs in real time.

Nature as the Best Décor

When it came to the ceremony, we skipped the flowers, arches, and décor entirely. Instead, we let the spectacular view speak for itself—a choice that naturally reduced both cost and waste.

My Takeaway

Making our wedding more sustainable wasn’t about spending more – it was about being thoughtful and intentional. We didn’t sacrifice beauty or joy; if anything, those choices made the day feel even more us. If you’re planning your wedding and want to make it greener, start with just one or two swaps that feel doable. You might find, like we did, that the simplest choices end up being the most meaningful.

Author: Olivia Tognela

When searching for pecan oil products, we discovered Nuez Acres, a family-owned farm and apothecary situated in Langley, BC. It's also indigenous owned; Nancy, the owner, is of Mexican indigenous descent, and her husband, Anthony, is Métis. Nancy's father owns a farm in Chihuahua, Mexico, where their pecans are grown, making this a true family affair and tying it into indigenous pecan growing traditions. 

They buy other products as locally as possible and press the oil in British Columbia. They are committed to regenerative farming, biodiversity, and chemical-free production. All their products are waterless and cruelty-free. They started with body scrubs and facial serums but have since expanded their brand as they gain recognition.

What Makes Nuez Acres Stand out

When we choose a partner, we look for producers that stand out from the crowd. Here's what makes Nuez Acres worth checking out:

Farm-to-Product Freshness

Nuez Acres controls the entire process, from growing the trees to crafting the final product, all in one chain and on-site. This maximizes purity and potency, reduces shipping costs, and ensures the highest quality ingredients are used. Their pecans are grown on a family farm in Mexico and shipped in bulk to British Columbia, where they are processed into high-quality pecan oil.

Sustainable Practices

They use no synthetic pesticides or herbicides on their pecan farms. Instead, they focus on soil health, pollinator-friendly practices, and waste minimization. By producing waterless products, they also reduce shipping costs, increase potency, and eliminate the need for preservatives while, of course, saving valuable water. They also use no artificial fragrances or colours, and their products are free from parabens and sulphates, which makes them ideal for sensitive skin. Finally, their packaging uses glass bottles and recycled materials.

Small-Batch Quality

Large companies often encounter quality assurance issues due to their sheer volume. All Nuez Acres products are handcrafted in small batches from fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring easy quality assurance. This also reduces waste, as they are not producing large amounts of a new product that might not sell or discarding expired product. Small batches enable them to produce products without preservatives, resulting in less waste.

Product Line Overview

If you have dry skin and are looking for a solution, pecan oil might be the answer. Pecan oil moisturizes and is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish skin, hair, and nails, while being gentle for people with sensitive skin.

All Neus Acres products are based on their high-quality pecan oil. However, they offer a variety of products for different lifestyles and beauty routines. We carry their natural skin care products, which include body scrubs, day and night serums, hair serums, and lash and brow serums.

Many of their items are infused with botanicals, such as rosehip, lavender, and beeswax. Nuez Acres is a fantastic choice for customers who seek clean, chemical-free wellness solutions and who value transparency in sourcing and production. As Nuez Acres controls their supply line, there is no risk of ending up with a product that was treated with pesticides.

Eco & Ethical Impact

At GreenBirdi, we only partner with suppliers who care about their ecological and ethical imprint. Nuez Acres offers:

Regenerative agriculture. Their farming methods are designed to restore soil health, protect wildlife, and reduce carbon footprint. Again, because they control their sourcing, they can make sure that their pecans are grown and harvested correctly.

1. Local production. The final products are all made in Canada, reducing transportation emissions and shipping costs.

2. Community connection. This is a family-run, woman-led, and indigenous business that is important in the local community. Buying from Nuez Acres means supporting farmers and artisans as well as sustainable agriculture.

3. Cruelty-free promise. Nuez Acres does not test any products or ingredients on animals and is part of the Leaping Bunnies cruelty-free program. Also, all their products are vegan and entirely plant based.

4. Waterless products. By making all their products waterless, Nuez Acres reduces water usage and eliminates the need for preservatives.

Why GreenBirdi Loves Nuez Acres?

We love Nuez Acres because they share our values. We are committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement. They go above and beyond with their transparent sourcing and hands-on approach to quality.

This is a beautiful example of how small-scale farming can have a significant impact on the world through the production of high-quality, beautifully crafted products and environmental responsibility. Nuez Acres is a partner that can help us achieve our goals as we help them achieve theirs.

How to Try Nuez Acres Products

Nuez Acres products work synergistically. For example, their Hair Serum is ideal for individuals with dry skin and sensitive hair, as well as those with a low tolerance for fragrances. Or if you like lemon and lavender, check out the Nuez Acres Body Scrub with natural lemon and lavender scents. This body scrub will gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth.  

One caution is that, as all their products contain pecan oil, if you are allergic to tree nuts or have a reaction to them, you should try a patch test first before using the products. Some people who are allergic to tree nuts, upon ingestion, also experience problems with the oil on their skin. We, and Nuez Acres, want you to be safe.

Nuez Acres shows that you can combine purposeful, sustainable agriculture and quality craftsmanship. If you value integrity and respect for the earth, consider Neuz Acres products, especially if you have dry skin, hair, or nails. Their pecan-based products are also great for people with facial hair.

Shop Nuez Acres now and share your favourites using #GreenBirdi #NuezAcres

Considering cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, are the number one leading cause of death worldwide, it is essential that everyone takes their heart health seriously, regardless of their age, race, or gender. However, there is a common misconception that heart disease is a "man's disease," and as such, many women do not think about their heart health or talk to their doctor about their risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the fact is that cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. 

In fact, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, many women are not aware of this, with only 44% of women surveyed recognizing that cardiovascular disease is the greatest threat to their health. The good news is that it's never too late to take control of your health by learning more about heart disease and making lifestyle changes to improve your heart health. 

Keep reading to learn more about women's heart health, including risk factors, prevention strategies, symptoms to look out for, and when you should talk to your doctor.     

Why Heart Health is Different for Women

Heart attacks have traditionally been associated with men because men tend to experience heart attacks more frequently and at a younger age than women. However, while heart attacks are more common in men, women are more likely to die from a heart attack due to a variety of biological and social factors. One reason why women are more likely to die from a heart attack is that they often experience more subtle and unusual symptoms than men during a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, nausea, back pain, or jaw pain instead of chest pain. Furthermore, some women may even experience silent heart disease, where they have no noticeable symptoms. All these factors can then lead to delayed diagnosis and higher fatality rates. 

Additionally, when a woman does seek treatment for heart disease, their smaller arteries can make heart disease harder to detect using traditional diagnostic methods. This problem is then compounded by gender bias, as many doctors dismiss women's concerns about heart disease. However, just because women have fewer heart attacks than men doesn't mean they aren't at risk. The fact is that heart attack risk increases dramatically after menopause, as decreases in estrogen can lead to heart disease. This is because estrogen protects the heart, and this protection starts to fade as estrogen levels in the body drop. 

Key Risk Factors Specific to Women

One of the best defences against heart disease is knowing your risk factors, as this can empower you with the knowledge you need to make life changes or seek treatment early. In addition to traditional risk factors that affect men, like high blood pressure and cholesterol, old age, diabetes, and obesity, several unique risk factors can lead to heart disease in women, including: 

• Pregnancy-Related Conditions: Having a history of certain pregnancy-related complications, including preeclampsia, pregnancy-related hypertension, and gestational diabetes, significantly increases a woman's risk of developing heart disease later in life.    

• Early Menopause: Early menopause is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease in women. Women who go through early menopause, either naturally or because of a hysterectomy, are twice as likely to develop heart disease as women of the same age who haven't gone through menopause.   

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Another common risk factor for heart disease in women is PCOS, which is a metabolic syndrome that can cause excess body fat, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, diabetes, and more. Having PCOS as well as any of these other conditions can double a woman's risk of heart disease. 

• Autoimmune Diseases: Certain autoimmune conditions that are more prevalent in women than men, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, also lead to an increased risk of heart disease. It is then essential that women with autoimmune conditions seek early cardiovascular screening.  

• Depression and Chronic Stress: Risk factors aren't just limited to physical conditions. The fact is that women who suffer from psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress are much more likely to develop heart disease. 

Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms

Unlike men, who most commonly report experiencing crushing chest pain that radiates down into their left arm, women are more likely to experience subtle symptoms during a heart attack. Regardless of your risk factors, it's essential that you know the common heart attack symptoms women experience so that you can seek immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms women may experience during a heart attack include:

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Excessive sweating

• Unusual fatigue

• Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach

• And pain in one or both arms

Prevention and Lifestyle Strategies

While heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, the good news is that there are steps that you can take to control your heart health and reduce your risk, including:

• Managing Your Diet: One of the best things that you can do to support your heart health is to eat a healthy, balanced diet full of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid fatty meats, dairy products, and foods high in salt and sugar. Even making minor changes to your diet can go a long way in boosting your heart health.   

• Getting Plenty of Exercise: It's also essential that you stay active by exercising at least 150 minutes per week. Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Manage Your Mental Health: It's also important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed, seeking mental health care is critical. 

• Understand Your Numbers: During your annual physical exam, you will likely receive information about your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI. Ensure you understand these numbers and their implications for your heart health, and make lifestyle changes to improve them if they're high.  

• Get Regular Screenings and Check-Ups: Most importantly, it is essential that you see your doctor regularly for check-ups. If you are concerned about your heart health, don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and request cardiovascular screenings.  

When to See a Doctor?

So, how will you know when you should see a doctor to discuss your heart health? The fact is that it is never a bad idea to consult with your doctor about your heart health if you have concerns about specific risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle. Your doctor can discuss your overall health, ask you about any symptoms you're experiencing, and run tests and cardiovascular screenings to assess your heart health. 

When talking to your doctor, you must advocate for yourself and request cardiovascular screenings, as some doctors do not take women's heart attack risk seriously. Taking a proactive approach can help ensure early detection and treatment of heart disease. However, if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, upper back pain, or extreme dizziness or fatigue, do not wait to see your primary care doctor; call 9-1-1 right away for emergency care. Time is of the essence if you're experiencing a heart attack, making it essential that you seek immediate treatment.   

While heart disease is often associated with men, women are still at risk, and you should not underestimate the importance of taking steps to maintain your heart health. As the number one killer of women worldwide, it is essential that you take heart disease seriously and that you know the risk factors that could affect you. The fact is that women's heart health matters, and knowing your risks and recognizing common heart attack symptoms can help you take action early.