Green Daily

My prom dress was a velvet number from the 40's with black and white feathers trimming the hemline. I bought it at a vintage clothing shop and wore it not only for prom Junior year but also a few times after that. God, I loved that dress. It turns out that I was doing the green thing and didn't even know it. I was only striving for tragically hip when I should have been applying for all around greatness.

That was over a decade ago but today's kids (you don't mind if I call you that do you?) are all about eco-living and this has everyone looking for a greener prom from attire to activities. Here are some tips to help you along.

• Ditch the Hummer. I know that they are convenient if there is a flash flood or if a sinkhole threatens to swallow your date but in most cases the family car will suit you just fine. If you must make an entrance, why not a horse and carriage or a bicycle built for two?
• If you are looking to grab a bite before busting a move (ha), think about doing an all organic group meal at someone's house. You could even go in together on a personal chef that would know where to buy the freshest, local foods.
• Go for lightly used. Men have it easy, they've been wearing used tuxes since prom began. Buying a used (or pre-worn?) dress doesn't mean that you have to accept those tacky bridesmaid numbers hanging in the Goodwill, it means renting a designer dress, borrowing from a friend in another town or splicing together your own creation a la Pretty in Pink. [There I go dating myself again with a Molly Ringwald reference.]
• Corsages and boutonnieres are a tradition that can be greened up by using organic and locally grown flowers. Alternatives like a henna tattoo or a piece of vintage jewelry are also great.
• After the night is over, consider donating your formal attire to a local charity or The Princess Project.

Hope these tips help!

Of course, you could decide that you are too cool and opt out of the extravagance all together which is what I did Senior year when I spent an evening at the theater instead with no regrets.

[via: Green Living Online]