Sofia Martinez
Graduation robes are often made from polyester, a plastic-based fabric that does not break down or biodegrade. This has resulted in millions of robes being sent to landfills each year. However, some companies are now creating graduation robes from recycled plastic bottles, and organisations like Greener Grads are working to reduce waste by repurposing robes. In this article, we will explore the environmental impact of graduation robes and discuss ways to reduce, reuse and recycle them.
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What You'll Learn
The issue of non-recyclable gowns
Graduation gowns are often made from non-recyclable materials, such as polyester, the same chemical compound used to make plastic water bottles. This means that these gowns do not fully decompose once they end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste. Over the past 30 years, more than 100 million graduation gowns made from this material have ended up in the waste stream, according to We Hate to Waste. This is a significant issue, as the demand for single-use graduation gowns leads to increased manufacturing and, ultimately, more waste.
While some companies, like Greener Grads, have attempted to address this issue by collecting, cleaning, and renting out used gowns, these initiatives have not been widely adopted. Many schools do not have systems in place to take back and reuse or recycle graduation gowns, leaving students and their families unsure of what to do with them after the ceremony. As a result, these gowns are often simply thrown away, becoming waste.
To reduce the environmental impact of graduation gowns, it is essential to explore sustainable alternatives. Some companies, like Oak Hall, offer graduation gowns made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles. These gowns can be recycled and repurposed into new products, reducing waste. Additionally, schools can implement rental programs, allowing gowns to be reused by multiple graduating classes, rather than being discarded after a single use.
Another option is to choose compostable gowns with give-back programs. These gowns are made from renewable resources and can be shredded and composted after removing any non-compostable components, like plastic zippers. By entering a code from the gown's tag, students can also direct donations to organizations promoting environmental awareness and initiatives. These options not only reduce waste but also actively contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
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Companies offering recycled gowns
While most graduation gowns are made of polyester, a non-biodegradable fabric that ends up in landfills, some companies are working to change this by creating recyclable graduation attire. One such company is Oak Hall, a family-owned regalia manufacturer that introduced sustainable caps and gowns to higher education in 2009. Their GreenWeaver line is made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles and features a matte finish, while their NuHorizon line offers an eco-friendly regalia option with a comfortable knit satin finish. Oak Hall provides recycling bins at commencement, allowing students to recycle their regalia, which is then reprocessed into new products. The company also uses recycled bags for storage and recycled cardboard shipping cartons, and employs carbon-based and liquid CO2 dry cleaning methods, which are more sustainable.
Another company, Herff Jones, offers EarthGrad and Renew graduation caps and gowns made from 100% recycled materials. Their exclusive CustomRental option provides a sustainable choice for universities and colleges, with each EarthGrad CustomRental gown saving 74 bottles from the landfill.
Greener Grads is another company that offers a more affordable rental option, with prices in the twenty-dollar range. Graduates receive a cap, gown, and tassel package, which they can keep or return, and the gowns are steam-cleaned with recycled water and no chemicals.
Jostens offers rental gowns that are returned for eco-friendly cleaning and then sent back to the school for the next graduating class. They also provide compostable gowns with a give-back program where students can enter a code from the gown's tag, prompting Jostens to donate to an environmental organization.
These companies are leading the way in providing sustainable alternatives to traditional graduation attire, reducing the environmental impact of this important milestone.
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Reuse and repurposing gowns
Recycling graduation robes is an excellent way to reduce waste and help the environment. However, it is important to note that most graduation gowns are made from non-biodegradable polyester and are not recyclable. This has led to millions of gowns ending up in landfills each year, causing detrimental problems to the environment.
To combat this issue, some companies, like Greener Grads, have started initiatives to collect, clean, and rent out graduation gowns to new graduates. This business model keeps gowns out of landfills and reduces expenses for graduates. Another option is to pass down your regalia to younger friends or family members who can use them at their graduation ceremonies. You can also donate them to schools, thrift stores, theatres, or drama clubs for repurposing. Additionally, some schools have programs to assist low-income students with graduation costs and will gladly accept donated gowns.
If you're feeling creative, you can repurpose your graduation gown into something new. For example, you can use it as a Halloween costume or keep it as a memento of your graduation day. However, it's important to note that the thin, scratchy material of some gowns might not be suitable for reuse in items like blankets or pillowcases.
While recycling graduation gowns made from recycled plastic bottles is challenging, some companies, like REPREVE®, are working to change that. They use recycled bottles to create yarn for textile products, including graduation gowns. By partnering with universities and well-known brands, they are making a significant impact on sustainable business practices.
So, while recycling your graduation robe might not be as simple as putting it in the recycling bin, there are several ways to ensure it stays out of landfills and continues to bring value.
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Compostable gowns
Compostable graduation gowns are an alternative to traditional polyester gowns, which are harmful to the environment. They are made from renewable, bio-based fabric, such as wood pulp, and can be composted or buried in the backyard after use. Unlike traditional gowns, these compostable gowns will decompose in soil within a year.
Some companies, such as Jostens, have started to offer compostable graduation gowns as a more sustainable option. Jostens' Elements line, for example, is made from acetate fabric sourced from renewable managed forests. These gowns are also biodegradable, which means they will naturally break down over time.
In addition to purchasing compostable gowns, there are other ways to reduce the environmental impact of graduation gowns. Some companies, like Greener Grads, accept used graduation gowns, clean and sanitize them, and then rent them out to new graduates. This reduces the number of gowns that end up in landfills and saves graduates money. Another option is to choose rental gowns that can be returned to the company for eco-friendly cleaning and then reused by the next graduating class.
While the shift towards compostable and biodegradable gowns is a positive step, it is important to note that the term "biodegradable" can be misleading. There is no technical scientific standard for this term, and the conditions under which these items break down can vary. For example, biodegradable items may decompose under natural conditions but not in landfills, which are sealed off from moisture and oxygen. Therefore, it is crucial to properly dispose of compostable gowns by composting or burying them, rather than throwing them away.
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Steam cleaning and pressing gowns
Steam cleaning is an effective method for removing creases and wrinkles from gowns. It is also a great way to refresh gowns without washing them. If you are steam cleaning a recycled plastic graduation robe, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the fabric is suitable for steaming. Most blended fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool, and polyester, can be steamed. However, if the robe has leather or suede details, avoid steaming these areas as they may melt or warp. Instead, try covering these sections with a clean towel and steaming around them.
To steam your gown, you will need a steamer. Hold the steamer 30 to 60 cm away from heavily wrinkled areas for 30 to 60 seconds at a time, pulling the fabric taut as you go. Do not press the steamer directly against the fabric, as this could cause burning or discolouration. If your gown is made of delicate fabric, it is best to steam it through a white cloth to protect it. Simply hold the cloth against the gown as you steam, moving it along with you section by section.
After steaming, inspect the gown thoroughly to ensure that all wrinkles have been removed and that the fabric has returned to its natural shape and texture. You may need to perform additional touch-ups with a cool iron to achieve a polished finish. Finally, allow the gown to dry and cool off for about 10 minutes before wearing it or storing it carefully, taking care to protect any delicate areas.
If you are unsure about steam cleaning your gown, especially if it is a valuable or delicate fabric, it is best to leave it to professional steamers. Professional dry cleaners offer steam press services that can effectively remove wrinkles and creases while preserving the quality and appearance of your gown. They will also ensure that no water touches the fabric during the steaming process, preventing possible wrinkling and staining.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a steam iron to press recycled plastic graduation robes. Set the iron to a low to medium heat setting and test on a small area first to ensure that the fabric does not burn. Hang the robe on a hanger and use downward strokes to remove any creases.
Recycled plastic graduation robes are often made from recycled plastic bottles. Companies like REPREVE® use recycled bottles to make yarn for textile products, which can then be used to create graduation robes.
Yes, recycled plastic graduation robes are better for the environment as they reduce the need for new plastic resources. Additionally, companies like Greener Grads collect, clean, and rent out recycled graduation robes, further reducing waste.
