Newswise — Ever wondered what happens to the piles of plastic bottles collected for recycling? This year, some 48,000 of them will be worn by Wake Forest graduates, as the university becomes one of the first adopters of recycled regalia.
Oak Hall Cap & Gown, says just over 100 institutions, including Wake Forest, are opting to purchase graduation gowns made of 100% recycled plastic bottles in this first year the alternative robes are being offered.
It takes an average of 23 bottles to make each gown out of fabric spun from molten plastic pellets. As of March 1, 2010, the company says 3.5 million plastic bottles have been reclaimed from landfills to produce the regalia.
“It’s good to see universities looking at sustainability at all levels. Gowns made from recycled materials or reusable cloth gowns are both good options. As students walk up to the stage, there will be a degree of understanding that it’s important to look for sustainable options in all areas of life,” says Dedee DeLongpré Johnston, sustainability director at Wake Forest. “Hopefully, colleges and universities will continue to find ways to make graduation ceremonies more eco-friendly in the future.”
Students can choose yet another sustainable option after graduation. They can turn in their gowns and the material will be recycled into carpet fiber.
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