This year, for the first time, graduating Vanderbilt undergraduate students could recycle their regalia following Commencement. Oak Hall Cap and Gown provided Vanderbilt graduates with gowns made from 100 percent postconsumer plastic bottles. After the ceremony the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office (SEMO) collected caps and gowns to be recycled into new product once again.
An average of 23 plastic bottles goes into making each gown, which means the Class of 2016 wore robes made of 38,000 plastic bottles that were diverted from landfills.
For more information about Commencement, visit the Commencement website. For more information about recycling efforts or the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office, visit the SustainVU website, contact sustainvu@vanderbilt.edu or call 322-9022.
Contact: Chelsea Hamilton
Sustainability and Environmental Management Office
(615) 322-9022