Make your prom or dance paperless

Invites

Keep the price of prom tickets down by doing away with unnecessary printing.

• Instead of the paper invites, go the tree-saving approach by using a service like evite.com.
• If your school wants to go the traditional root, convince them to go with plantable paper – it’s made of wildflower seeds and will grow when planted.

Decorations

Recycling is a common theme in living a greener lifestyle — put it to action in your party decorations.

• Things you probably already have in your cupboard can be used in new and interesting ways. Ideas: Turn a cutting board into a cheese tray and fill your salad bowl with fresh lemons and limes for a vibrant centerpiece.
• Look for party decorations at thrift stores.
• Ask your fellow students to bring in decorations their parents have stockpiled over the years. You'll save money, help the environment and parents can get rid of all those boxes of party decs they'll probably never use again!

Cups and stuff

Plates, utensils, cups and the like are a necessity, we know, but they don't have to be plastic!

• When serving your party food and drinks, go for the real thing instead of disposable. If you don't have enough, rent them from a party-rental supplier.
• If you decide to go disposable, remember that Styrofoam and plastic products are definite no-nos. Use biodegradable cups and plates made from corn "plastic" or bamboo — they're as sturdy as paper and plastic, but they compost in just over a month.
• Try to serve food that doesn't require plates, such as finger foods, or serve cookies instead of cake.
• Instead of bottled water, serve tap water in a pitcher, or buy one large container of water rather than numerous smaller bottles of water.

Memories

Don't give stuff for the sake of it. The goal is to reduce, reuse and try to consume as little of our resources as possible.

• Momentos: Maybe give something like an engraved pen that can be reused.
• Pics: Hire a photographer that will email you digital proofs.

And don't forget to provide a container for recyclables and others for trash!