When actress Rachel McAdams and her two best friends Megan Kuhlmann and Didi BETHURUM decided to tell the world about the eco tips they’d been exchanging, greenissexy.org was born! We asked them to share their green living ideas on how vervegirls can tread lightly on the environment during prom season.
say CHEESE!
Make prom memories last by taking digital pictures and skipping the traditional film. In addition to using less energy and fewer resources, digital photography doesn’t require all those nasty chemicals to develop the photos. Another benefit to green living? Digital pics are easier to weed through and share with your friends post-prom.
retro a GO-GO
Prom dresses are typically worn once before spending an eternity hanging in your closet. Reduce your impact by shopping for a pre-worn dress. You’ll save money, energy and materials too. Ask around! Your neighbors’ formal gown might fit you perfectly, while an old dress worn by your mom, aunt or grandma will show off your cool style while guaranteeing no one shows up in the same look.
EVERYONE in the POOL
Did you know that 40% of smog-causing pollution comes from passenger vehicles? Breathe easier on prom night by carpooling with your friends. To really make a green living difference, skip the six passenger limo and rent a small bus instead. You’ll be able to cram more classmates (and fun) into your commute while reducing the amount of cars on the road.
consider your CORSAGE
While flowers are pretty, the flower industry is not. Most cut flowers are sprayed heavily with pesticides, fungicides and herbicides, which wreak havoc on the health of flower industry workers and on the planet. If you’re shopping for prom corsages or boutonnieres, look for organically grown blooms or reusable flowers made from fabric or paper.
change of A DRESS
Once prom is over, donate your dress to a charity or thrift store. By reducing the number of new garments manufactured, shipped and sold, your dress can have twice the prom memories and half of the environmental impact. One girl’s trash is another girl’s treasure, so get your frock into the mix as soon as possible.
be the GREEN PROM QUEEN
Prom and other big events use a lot of energy and materials. Have fun at prom, but “offset” the environmental impact by organizing a green living service project, like a park or beach cleanup, for the day after prom. Cleaning up your neighborhood is good for the environment and a great way to rehash prom night drama with friends.
a CUP by any other NAME…
Tuck a permanent marker in your purse in case the prom committee ordered disposable cups for drinks at the dance. Help classmates write their names on their cups for easy reuse and feel good that you helped make prom classy, not trashy, by keeping a lot of waste from the landfill.
MAKE UP with the MAKEUP counter
Want to try a new look? Hit the makeup counters at the nearest
department store and schedule an appointment to get your face done. Not only will you end up with a professional look, you’ll be less prone to stock up on makeup and lipsticks in shades you might only end up using once.
promLUCK
Worried about finding a decent restaurant that will accommodate you and your forty friends for some pre-prom chow? Skip the reservation and kick off the night with a green living potluck. Whip up your famous mac and cheese, grab some recycled plates and carpool your way to a cheaper date, tip included!
your FUTURE…is in the PAST
Before splurging on brand new accessories for prom, try shopping for vintage bling at shops around town. The jewelry industry is a major polluter, so use this opportunity to rediscover something someone else once loved instead of something new. Lighten your footprint on the planet and leave an imprint on your prom.
Check out the Save the Environment room!
