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With 'eco gowns,' Clarkson striving for eco-friendly commencement on May 7

Posted 5/2/11

POTSDAM -- "Eco-gowns" will be the uniform of the day for graduates walking across the stage on May 7 as Clarkson University works toward a sustainable commencement. The students will be wearing …

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With 'eco gowns,' Clarkson striving for eco-friendly commencement on May 7

Posted

POTSDAM -- "Eco-gowns" will be the uniform of the day for graduates walking across the stage on May 7 as Clarkson University works toward a sustainable commencement.

The students will be wearing graduation gowns of acetate, fiber made of wood from managed forests, that decomposes in soil in a year. The coil zipper tape and teeth are made from recycled plastic. The robes' packaging contains material that facilitates decomposition. When a student redeems his or her robe code online, the manufacturer, Jostens, will contribute $1 to support environmental sustainability.

Centerpieces at the weekend's special events will include locally grown herbs that will be replanted in the Campus Dining kitchen garden after commencement. Clarkson will also purchase floral items and urns for the ceremony that can be replanted outdoors.

Early this month, Clarkson was named one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the United States and Canada by the Princeton Review in its Guide to Green Colleges.