Prom season is in full swing, which means that teenagers will be flocking to parties in wasteful droves. They might be having a blast, but they’re still making an impact on the environment in all kinds of ways. So what can your kids do to have a very enjoyable postconsumer prom?
Encourage carpooling (and not in a stretch Hummer)
No only does this reduce the cost of transportation, it reduces pollution by using one car instead of each couple taking their own. Many people can help offset the cost of a limo that can hold more people inside. Besides, it’s much more fun to arrive with a bunch of friends anyway! And don’t get a stretch Hummer, those things are the worst transportation of all – they only get between 8.6 to 12 MPG – and aren’t worth the money anyway.
Buy your dress/suit at a thrift shop
All those fancy dresses teens buy at department stores usually only get worn once, then either get tossed or given away. I know anytime I’m in a thrift store, there are racks and racks of practically new dresses in perfect condition. The same with parts of suits, too – you may have to dig to mix and match a tie, cumberbund, or jacket – but it pays off to find those one-off items. Thrift stores are prime targets for finding retro-cool fashions for any themed prom.
Accessories: think local, think upcycling
Depending on where you live, try sourcing locally-grown flowers for corsages and to pin on suit lapels. In fact, if you can’t go local, consider making paper flowers from recycled, decomposable paper. After the night’s over, ask the kids to bring the used flowers back for a centerpiece and eventually for compost. Clutches, purses, cumberbunds, and hair accessories can easily be made from old materials. If you don’t have time to make something, there are plenty of online stores that use recycled materials for accessories.
The best part is getting your kids to start thinking about the impact they’re making. Hopefully, prom will help kick start a postconsumer mindset once they graduate!
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