It can be hard to be eco-minded when you’re staring at a big, sparkly piece of bling that’s calling your name, but, when you’re choosing rings that are going to solidify your wedding vows; why not choose jewelry that has minimal environmental impact so that the world as you know if might be around for a little while longer after you say “I do”.

Between the conflict that comes with diamond mining and acquisition, and the toll that gold mining has upon the environment; not to mention the conditions that the miners work in, risking their lives for the sake of a commodity that primarily becomes a status symbol, there are many strings attached to jewelry. Sure it looks nice, but once you have nowhere to wear it because the world as you know it is long gone due to environmental degradation, it really won’t do you much good. Yes, I’m being melodramatic; and yes, it’s true that one set of wedding rings isn’t going to make the difference between environmental soundness and complete destruction. But every little bit counts, and while one purchase may not seem like it’s on a large scale, think about everyone else who has the same attitude.

When it’s time to choose the rings for your wedding or commitment ceremony, don’t walk into your local jewelry store; instead check out Green Karat. This company only uses conflict-free gems in their production of their green wedding rings, and uses post-consumer recycled gold, either collected from donations of jewelry or from scraps contributed by jewelry makers. Each piece of jewelry is hand-made, and they’ve got all sorts of unique and traditional designs that are perfect for any wedding, and any bride, no matter how attention-grabbing or understated she wants her jewelry to be.

Now that you’re aware of your green wedding ring options, those of you who are already married can look at your with guilt and shame. Oh, and besides your feelings about your lifelong commitment, you can feel bad for your contribution to the decline of the environment too.