U. Wisconsin Oshkosh is switching to greener (compostable) gowns this year, and we are looking into re-use.  We did a quick test washing the old gowns and the greener gowns, and they both came out a wreck.  Sweating is reported to be the biggest problem for re-use of Spring Graduation gowns, so we expect to be very choosy about the gowns that will be saved.

Here is a great idea for eco-conscious student orgs / students to reduce wasted caps and gowns (and money).   Ask their members (just turned alumni) to donate their old caps and gowns to them after the graduation ceremony.  Then the organization can offer these to students year after year as opposed to it ending up in your closet forever.  Then, the only thing purchased or wasted in the whole process is the little tassel, which many people keep anyway.  

If the demand for caps and gowns is high, student orgs can hold a drawing.  Make sure you set up a process to get the caps and gowns back after the ceremony.   In general, little measures like these help out with membership (and alumni retention), especially in tough economic times as pointed out in this article: http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/05/21/2851097-caps-and-gown-costs-too-steep-for-some-seniors?pc=25&sp=50

Ian Bevan 

Founder and Director

Green Tower Sustainability

(949) 208-1566

ian.bevan@presidiomba.org

www.greentowercampus.com

Green Tower Sustainability provides FREE consulting services, resources, and leadership training to eco and social conscious student organizations all around the county.  For more info email (see contact info above)