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Updated Thursday, May 6, 2010 12:50 am TWN, By Holly Ramer AP



	In this April 30 photo, University of Vermont bookstore employee and college freshman Nicole Walker, 19, models a graduation cap and gown made of recycled materials next to the store display showing that 23 water bottles equal one cap and gown in producing the graduation day attire. (AP) Enlarge Photo

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Grads go green with recyclable gowns

DURHAM, N.H. -- College seniors across the United States plan to start a new graduation tradition this year: tossing their ceremonial gowns into recycling bins.

For years, ecology-conscious campuses have been trying to reduce the environmental impact of commencement ceremonies by using less electricity or printing programs on recycled paper. Now, academic apparel manufacturers are jumping in with “green” options, ranging from disposable gowns that decompose quickly in soil to gowns made of recycled plastic bottles that can be reused or recycled.

The new products are an alternative to the petroleum-based polyester gowns millions of graduates buy each year, then promptly throw away or stuff into their closets. Manufacturers say the new gowns are a bit softer and more breathable than the traditional gowns, but otherwise are indistinguishable.

“It feels a bit thinner which actually would be good for spring commencements because it's going to be hot outside,” said Abbie Tumbleson, a senior at Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire. “It doesn't look cheaply made.”

At Oak Hall Cap and Gown in Virginia, officials settled on fabric made from recycled plastic after samples made from sustainable bamboo failed to impress customer service reps who wore them for a day.

“By the end of the day, they looked like they had slept in the gowns for about two weeks,” said vice president Donna Hodges. “A lot of students will get the gown out of the bag 10 minutes before lineup, so we knew that was not going to work.”

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