UT grads to walk stage in "green" garb

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Students are getting ready for graduation, and University of Texas graduates are gearing up to don "green" caps and gowns when they cross the stage.

Graduates will help the environment when they get their diploma this spring because the grads are set to wear recycled green gowns.

"Each cap and gown for bachelors and masters students at UT are made from 100 percent, postconsumer recycled plastic bottles," said Kristen Hilbert, with the University Co-op .

It is a dress code the university has never had for commencement.

"I kind of had to look that up first, honestly, because I didn't understand how that worked," said Saraya Adeni, as she picked up her recycled cap and gown.

More than 6,000 grads will be the first in the state to wear GreenWeaver caps and gowns. Each is made of melted plastic that is spun into a soft fabric, but being environmentally friendly will not compromise style.

"They are nicer than our previous gowns,” said Hilbert. “The fabric is higher-end. It feels a lot less plasticy."

To make each one of the gowns, it will take 23 recycled water bottles. The class of 2010 will keep 200,000 plastic bottles from ending up in a landfill, reducing emissions and energy usage.

"I think it's a pretty good move on the part of the university,” said Adeni. “If we're all trying to be green and trying to take pretty good steps in terms of economically and environmentally friendly, this is sending a really good message to students."

The gowns can even be reused or resold after commencement. The cost is comparable to the price of former gowns.