Miss Vermont Dons 'Green' Gown

COLCHESTER, Vt. -- Miss Vermont will be wearing a green dress when she walks out on stage at the Miss America Pageant on Jan. 24, but Ashley Ruth Wheeler is not talking about the color of her dress.

Wheeler will don an eco-friendly frock made from hemp, organic cotton and silk -- and all of the lace and beads are recycled, Plattsburgh television news station WPTZ reported.

"I really feel like I'm carrying the state of Vermont with me," said Wheeler.

The dress was crafted by a Northeast Kingdom designer.

Wheeler said she wants the dress to be a conversation starter, and said she wants to talk about going green and environmental responsibility. Wheeler also said it's important to buy local.

"I thought, 'Ok. Keep the money local and also go with environmental responsibility; it's the perfect fit," Wheeler said.

Wheeler said she thinks she's the first contestant to "go green" at the Miss America Pageant.