Students will be strutting their stuff in green graduation caps and gowns this year. Just not the color green.
Graduates will be wearing apparel from Oak Hall Cap & Gown Company, Duke's long-standing company, but with a twist—they will be made of recycled plastic bottles, according to a Duke News release.
"Everyone on campus, it seems, to do what they can to be more environmentally responsible," said Jim Wilkerson, the director of Duke Stores, who is responsible for clothing students for graduation. "When we were approached with this opportunity to purchase caps and gowns made from recycled materials, and we were satisfied that the quality of the garmets would not be compromised it was an easy decision."
With each cap and gown keeping approximately 23 plastic bottles out of landfills, this eco-friendly graduation will save more than 50,000 bottles.
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