NowThis informs that an estimated 70,000 plastic bottles were saved from landfills this year by being recycled into the gowns used in the graduation ceremony at Utah Valley University.
The senior director of alumni relations at UVU, Kevin Walkenhorst said as their students wear their caps and gowns, they want them to know they are helping provide a sustainable environment.
The university’s gowns come from the Virginia-based Oak Hall Cap & Gown. Each gown takes about 23 bottles to make. According to the company, the gowns are softer than traditional polyester and they can be recycled themselves.
Walkenhorst said it’s the fifth year UVU has used the gowns in graduation ceremonies adding that the cost is the same as the traditional ones have.