Penn grads to sport recycled regalia

PHILADELPHIA - September 1, 2009 -- Students at the University of Pennsylvania probably drink a lot of beverages from plastic bottles during their four years on campus.

Now they could be wearing that plastic when they graduate.

Penn officials announced this week that the Class of 2010 will wear caps and gowns made of 100 percent, post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

The move is part of the Ivy League school's effort to reduce its carbon footprint.

The recycled regalia is being manufactured by Oak Hall Cap & Gown of Virginia. The company says the fabric is spun from molten plastic pellets, with an average of 23 bottles needed to make each gown.

About 2,500 seniors are expected to graduate from the private Philadelphia university in May.

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