By now, most people know not to throw rice at weddings - it’s difficult to clean up (most venues won’t allow it), and, according to urban legend, birds will eat it and explode (this is false).
As an alternative, many people are now throwing bird seed. Supposedly friendlier towards birds, bird seed poses a different threat to the environment - the introduction of non-native and invasive plant species, AKA weeds.
Perhaps the most common animal-related products that cause new plant introductions are bird seeds. Commercial bird seed marketed towards pet owners contains many non-native species. As bird owners know, large amounts of seed are thrown away intact simply because the bird will not eat it. Naturalists in Britain tracked “bird seed aliens” for the past several decades. They found several dozen species that either grew unaided in garbage dumps, or would germinate under laboratory conditions. Many bird seed aliens easily germinate if exposed to water, even while still in the bird cage. Some of the better-known bird seed aliens include Panicum miliaceum (proso millet), Setaria italica (foxtail millet), and Helianthus annuus (sunflower), all common seed contaminants themselves. One common bird seed component that has recently come under increased scrutiny is Cannabis sativa (hemp); although the seed is supposed to be sterilized before it is included in mixtures to be sold in America, this species is still a noxious weed in many states.
Methods of Introduction of Non-Native Plants into New Habitats: A Review
by Jennifer Forman, University of Massachusetts, Boston
The idea of throwing things at newly married couples is a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Grains, fruit, seeds, nuts and so on symbolize a fruitful union and growth (an old Irish tradition has the couple being pelted with pots and pans - sounds like a honeymoon in the emergency ward… :)Â ).
Today, we have many adaptations of this tradition, and we can celebrate in other eco-friendly ways. Blow bubbles from a solution made from biodegradable soap - always a nice option and it’s fun to blow bubbles!
