by A. Sc.

Created on: December 03, 2008   Last Updated: December 04, 2008

After the vows have been taken, the rings exchanged and the toasts given, most newlyweds are left with a mountain of post-wedding junk. From extra invitations, to un-needed formal clothes, to bowls of left-over salad, there's stuff everywhere. If you think it seems a shame to throw all that stuff away, you're right. There are so many ways to recycle left over wedding items that there's almost no need for a garbage can.

FOOD

1. Shelter

Do not try to donate "used" food to charities or shelters to feed people. Nobody wants to eat old meals that have already been picked at. For sanitary reasons, most shelters absolutely will not take the food. Even if they want to take it, almost every health regulation will prevent them from being able to accept your donation.

If you have things like unopened cookies, bread and anything else in an unopened package, you can donate those. But most general wedding food needs to go somewhere other than the garbage or a shelter. Though the thought is sweet, there are no national food-based charities in any English speaking countries that accept "used" food.

2. Compost

The easiest and most earth-friendly way to deal with left-over food is to simply compost it. There's no need to waste the gas and energy with a dump or garbage truck. A simple compost pile in your backyard takes very little upkeep and provides you with plenty of rich soil.

If you don't care for composting, see if you know somebody who does. Perhaps a friend or relative would be happy to take care of the food waste for you. If you can't find anyone you know, look at local organic farms. There are some places and companies that will take food from restaurant buffets and such to compost.

3. Feed

If you live in a resort area, look for pig farms. Many of these farms take resort buffet food and process it into a mush to feed the animals. This mostly works with pigs, since they are such scavengers. They may be willing to take your left-overs and get some use out of them, providing you didn't serve pork.

CLOTHES

1. Donate

There are endless shelters and charity organizations that can use both men and women's formal clothing. You can donate that dress or tuxedo to a local organization and leave with the knowledge that your happy day is providing happiness for someone else. It also doesn't hurt that you may be able to use the donation as a tax write-off.

2. Decorate

Most wedding attire is covered with frills, thrills and all the extras. This can make the garments perfect for turning into fun

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