High School Proms

My wife (a former teen pregnancy counselor) would say that the most sustainable practice for HS proms would be ensuring that all the attendees have ready access to birth control and are aware of the pregnancy/STD risks of sex under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

How about a prize category competition for best reused/recycled outfit - that could be recycled junk dress for example. Select a band/music provider which best passes a student-designed provider sustainability performance survey. Supper - uses potato plates or somesuch. Make sustainability part of the function's name (perhaps have a student-lead competition for such prior to event) Competition among prom goers for free ticket/s for the person/couple with best sustainability practices profile in his/her/their own life/lives. Some sort of texting/Bebo/You Tube or somesuch site with student voting for best performers in this area. Healthy food/drink/drug free management/sound & noise level management approaches. Older students mentoring younger ones if requested. Release a set of 10 tips for women who want to prepare for the big night using sustainable approach e.g. what sort of hair products might she be able to choose, what type of makeup, what type of perfume, what type of hair colour, what type of transport between preparation venues & to the event, what type of nails & nail polish etc. Make sure event success in sustainability profiled through great photos and story that can be provided to local media. Build up to district proms competing for most sustainable proms award. Shoulder tap the most socially powerful students to lead the way. Lots more ideas could be possible with more thought!

Susan Botting

Environmental Education Officer
Northland Regional Council
Whangarei New Zealand
www.nrc.govt.nz