10 Easy Ways to Green Up Your Prom Even After Prom is Over

Prom night is right around the corner, but that doesn't mean it's too late to green your prom, before, during and after prom. Take a look at the list below to see what you can do to make your prom a little more eco-friendly this year. Learn to share, reuse, recycle, donate, save money and use your creative skills to make the best out of a memorable and elegant evening.

If you still have time, get involved with the prom planning committee so that you can share your thoughts about making prom a little more eco-friendly. Let the committee know about the importance of serving meals made with locally grown and or organic foods. Show them how easy and elegant you can make second hand party décor for the prom.

If you still don't have a prom dress don't worry. You can find a vintage dress and upcycle it. Host a dress swap or be a part of one. You can also rent a dress. Yes, just like suits more and more places are becoming more eco-conscious and are considering renting out or selling second-hand formal dresses. Ask a local bridesmaid shop if they are willing to do this or already do. You also have the option of buying an eco-friendly prom dress made of organic, hemp, bamboo or recycled material. Take a look at this gum wrapper dress and get inspired.

Don't forget to wear gently used shoes, jewelry and other accessories with your gently used or upcycled prom dress or suit.

Let your friends know about Corsage project, Operation Fairy Dust and its sister programs. These programs help high school seniors, especially those who can't afford to go to prom, find second hand prom dresses and accessories.

Let your friends know about Project Green Prom. This organization is all about inspiring teenagers to reduce their carbon footprint during prom.

Join Eco-friendly Prom on Facebook.

Go to a green salon to have your hair done for prom or save a lot of money and have and get together with a group of friends before the prom to do each other's hair. Don't be afraid to be unique. Also remember to use eco-friendly hair care products. This is a link to a list of organic hair care products Seventeen has put together for you.

Carpool with your friends. Ride to the prom with a group of friends to cut down on your transportation costs and to help cut down the amount of fuel used to transport high school seniors to prom every year all over the country. An elegant fuel efficient SUV can be rented or borrowed from a parent to go to the prom. If you are riding with more friends than an SUV can hold consider renting a charter bus (everyone can chip in on the cost) or even a regular school bus. Talk to your principal about borrowing a school bus and let her know this can be environmentally friendly, help everyone save money and help reduce drunk driving accidents.

When prom is over encourage the prom committee to either save the party décor for next year's prom or to donate party décor to a local Goodwill or resale shop.

When prom is over donate your dress and dress accessories to DonateMyDress.org or to someone you know who has not yet had his or her prom. You also have the option of reusing your prom dress for another occasion, just change it up a bit to give it a new fresh look.

Have a fun, safe and eco-friendly time at the prom. Please, remember not to don't drink and drive.

Cara Smusiak, Dazzle at Prom in a Recycled Dress, Planet Green

Project Green Prom, Teens Turning Green

Eco-Friendly Beauty Products, Seventeen

Iowan ready for prom with gum wrapper dress, USA Today