Orem • Graduation gowns worn by Utah Valley University graduates saved an estimated 70,000 plastic bottles from landfills this year, officials said.
The ceremonial gowns for the university in Orem came from Oak Hall Cap & Gown, which uses recycled plastic bottles to make regalia, The Daily Herald reported Wednesday.
This is the fifth year students have worn the recycled and recyclable gowns in the graduation ceremony at the university 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. Commencement and convocation events took place Thursday and Friday.
“Nobody has ever said, ‘This gown looks cheap,’” said Kevin Walkenhorst, senior director of alumni relations.