Calif. Western Law Grads' Gowns to Be Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles
California Western School of Law has announced that it will use graduation caps and gowns made from recycled plastic bottles.
“We are proud to be the first law school in the country whose graduates will be wearing gowns made of 100 percent recycled materials,” said Kathleen Seibel, California Western’s assistant dean for student and diversity services, in a press release (PDF).
The University of Pennsylvania announced in September that it was using the “GreenWeaver” gowns, the Associated Press reported. Oak Hall Cap & Gown introduced the line in April. Each gown is made from approximately 23 bottles’ worth of molten plastic pellets. They initially experimented with a mix of bamboo and polyester before turning to plastic bottles, according to a separate press release (PDF).
Plastic bottles have been incorporated into clothing for years; Patagonia says on its website that it has used fleece from recycled plastic bottles in its outdoor clothing product line since 1993.
