Green Prom? No Problem for OCHS Environmentalist

Forget an expensive limo and professional driver. Kristy Northrup's mom will  drive Kristy and her date to Ocean City High School's prom Saturday in a bright blue hybrid vehicle.

Northrup will be clad in a long gown made not of some artificial shiny material—but a soft, flowing dress made of bamboo fibers, in a riot of purple, green, blue, magenta, brown and black.

"It looks like the inside of a geode or an abalone shell," Northrup said of the swirly pattern. "It is so soft and comfortable."

Cost? $82.

Shoes? Black flats Northrup purchased at a thrift store for $2.

"It's what I wanted because my date is the same height as me," she said.

Northrup made a wrist corsage to match her dress using a silk ivory rose and little purple flowers from her sister's wedding a few years ago. In her make-up purse (made of recyclable materials, of course), you'll find only organic make-up, including nonstinky nail polish in Arcadia Aqua and Burt's Bees natural lip gloss in Zesty Red.

For jewelry, Northrup dug around in her jewelry box for a necklace of light green gemstones and made some funky-looking rings out of purple paper clips.

And let's not forget Northrup's date—Fred Sneathen, an OCHS grad and student at Rowan University. He rented a black tux with purple accents—which could be considered recycling—and will wear black vegan shoes that support a cause. For every pair sold, one is given to needy children, Nothrup said.

"He's totally supportive, because this is my passion," Northrup said.

So, add the cost of her ensemble and $55 ticket and Northrup spent less than $150—what some girls might spend getting their hair and make-up done.

Why? Northrup said she was inspired by a Discovery Channel special years ago called Project Earth. She talked her parents, Debbie and Lou, to put solar panels on their Marmora home and to buy a hybrid Honda.

"I just fell in love with it," said Northrup, 18, of supporting and pursuing living a greener life. And that's not just lip service.

Northrup was appointed as student representative on Ocean City's Environmental Commission and attended the NJ Governor's School on the Environment at Stockton College last summer.

After she graduates next month as the Class of 2011 salutatorian, Northrup plans to study environmental science and forestry at the State University of New York.

But for now, as with most high schoolers, Northrup is thinking about prom. She said she hopes her effort to create a simplified prom experience out of renewable materials catches on among her classmates and those who come later.

And if not? Hey, she's done her part. And she has a great gown she can dress up or down for another occasion.

"My dress is so comfy, my shoes are comfy. I will not be in any pain," Northrup said.

Neither will the earth.