While I can’t say I fully endorse the Miss America pageant, I can say I have a reason to check it out this year, as Miss Vermont will be rockin’ an eco-friendly dress to promote sustainability.  Ashley Ruth Wheeler’s evening wear on January 24, will consist of hemp, organic cotton and silk, and recycled beads and lace, and the dress made locally using solar powered sewing machines.

While some may criticize the effort as frivolous fluff, I say if you can get millions of viewers thinking about sustainable choices, then go for it.  She also sounds like she has a good head on her shoulders:

I was raised as part of a family-run business and I understand how important it is to support locally-owned and operated businesses. So when it came time for me to purchase an evening gown for the Miss America pageant, I decided to keep my business in Vermont and call upon a designer from the Northeast Kingdom. I had heard about Tara Lynn and it was very appealing to go “green” for Miss America. I will be making a significant statement and suspect I will be the only contestant who has chosen to go this route. I think this is the perfect way for me to share my stance on preserving our environment and set myself apart from the other contestants.

takepart by getting your own sustainable gear at The Green Loop.