Reader Question: Toss or Keep Non-Green Wedding Rings?
April 11, 2009 by Jennifer
Last year we posted a green wedding series here at Tree Hugging Family. Of course being a blog, we get readers way later on who find the series, and still have questions. Recently, someone asked an excellent question on the Eco-Wedding Ring Options post…
“So what would people recommend doing with wedding and engagement rings they already have? My husband and I didn’t realize the ethical issues with gold and diamonds when we got married and are unsure what to do next. Keep it because the damage is already done or sell it and make a more ethical ring choice?”
It’s a good question, but one I’m not sure I have a solid answer for. There are two trains of thought running through my mind:
1. Reasons to keep the rings: The rings may mean something to you. When you got the rings, maybe you weren’t aware of the eco-issues surrounding wedding rings. Now you are, but does that mean you should toss (or trade in) something important to you personally? Maybe not. Also, I’m leery of trading in items for eco-friendly versions unless it will make an actual eco-impact (i.e. you trade in an old fridge for an energy efficient one).Trading up to an eco-friendly ring accomplishes something, as in how we represent (see below) but it doesn’t achieve any sort of new efficiency.
2. Reasons to trade in your rings: How we represent does matter. It’s like someone who wears an organic tee or shoes made of recycled bike tires. When someone comments on your tee or shoes, you’re able to say, “I have this item because…” and discuss the eco-qualities. It might make someone think about green. You also just might feel badly wearing rings that aren’t eco-friendly. Personally I could never say, wear a fur coat or an eco-bad wedding ring, but then, I knew about these things before so I’m making my decisions based on info I already have. It’s somewhat different when you later learn about something after the fact. BUT if you want to represent green, and it bothers you to wear the old rings, I’d trade them in. Maybe have a little green anniversary ceremony even!
Now – these are my thoughts, but this question actually threw me. I’ve been thinking about it ever since the reader posted it, and I don’t have one solid answer. So, I’m gonna put it out there to our other readers… What do you think? Toss or keep non-green wedding rings?