Let’s set the scene: You’re graduating. You’ve worked hard, aced (or survived) exams, and now you’re ready to strut across that stage, cap perched jauntily on your head, gown billowing behind you like a superhero’s cape. But after the ceremony? That cap and gown are heading straight to the back of your closet—or worse, the trash. Turns out, your graduation outfit isn’t just a symbol of achievement; but a stark reminder of our failure to address the wastefulness of modern consumer culture—something Gen Z, the generation that will feel the full impact of climate change, is left to clean up.
Yep, caps and gowns are one of the many “one-and-done” offenders in the fashion world. Let’s talk about how these fleeting fashion pieces impact the planet, explore other sneaky single-use clothing items, and figure out how we can do better—without sacrificing those milestone moments.
Graduation Garb: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Outfit (Literally)
Here’s the deal: Nearly 8 million high school and college students graduate each year in the U.S. That’s 8 million caps and gowns, most of them made from polyester—a fancy term for plastic. Once used, they’re typically tossed or shoved in a box marked “sentimental stuff.”
Why is this a problem? Polyester doesn’t just disappear. It’s the guest who overstays its welcome, hanging out in landfills for centuries. And don’t get me started on the resources it takes to make these garments. The carbon footprint of your cap and gown? Not exactly something you’d want to frame next to your diploma.
Why Am I Talking About Graduation in December?
You might be wondering, “Why on earth are we talking about graduation in the middle of the school year?”
Well, some schools have graduations year-round, but I’m really trying to reach universities and high schools in 2024, because the time to plan for 2025 is now. If we want to change the way we think about graduation attire and make more sustainable choices, the time to act is before caps and gowns are even ordered. So, schools, if you’re listening—let’s make a change!
The Bigger Picture: Fashion’s One-Night Stands
Caps and gowns aren’t the only culprits. The fashion industry has a major “commitment issue” when it comes to clothing. Here are a few other offenders that are just as wasteful:
1. Bridesmaid Dresses
Ah, the bridesmaid dress. It’s stunning (for one day), matches the wedding colors, and has a 99% chance of never seeing daylight again. With over 2.5 million weddings in the U.S. annually, you can only imagine the landfill pileup of chiffon and tulle. Let’s face it—“you can totally wear it again” is a lie we’ve all heard (and believed for half a second).
2. Party Outfits
From sparkly New Year’s Eve dresses to themed party getups, these clothes live a glamorous, yet tragically short life. Think about it: That glittery mini-dress you bought “just for tonight” might spend more time in your closet than you do.
3. Halloween Costumes: The Polyester Nightmare
And speaking of single-use clothing, don’t even get me started on Halloween. Don’t get me wrong—Halloween is amazing. It’s fun, it’s spooky, and who doesn’t love a good costume? But the average Halloween costume is basically a polyester nightmare destined for the trash come November 1. We’re talking about glittery capes, plastic vampire fangs, and cheap synthetic wigs that will never see the light of day again after the big night. Americans spend over $3.6 billionon costumes each year, and most of that is spent on cheap, one-and-done outfits made from non-recyclable materials. That’s a lot of faux fur and plastic vampire capes adding to the growing pile of textile waste.
I actually wrote a blog about this topic back in October, exploring the wasteful side of Halloween costumes and how we can all be a little more sustainable when dressing up.
4. Event T-Shirts
Fun runs, charity events, work retreats—they all come with T-shirts. While it’s great to commemorate these moments, how many “I Ran for Pancakes 5K” shirts does one person really need?
So, What’s the Big Deal About Single-Use Clothing?
Single-use clothing isn’t just clogging up your closet; it’s clogging landfills and polluting the planet. Globally, 92 million tons of textile waste are generated every year. That’s like dumping a garbage truck full of clothes every second.
And it’s not just about waste. Producing these garments uses tons of water, energy, and raw materials. Polyester, the star player in most single-use outfits, sheds microplastics when washed, which eventually find their way into oceans and, yep, into our food. Enjoy that side of polyester with your sushi.
What Can We Do to Solve Fashion Pollution?
Okay, let’s not spiral. The good news? There are plenty of ways to cut down on fashion waste without giving up the things we love—like celebrating milestones or dressing up as a zombie cheerleader.
1. Rent, Reuse, Repeat
Programs like Greener Grads collect, clean, and redistribute caps and gowns. Imagine if every graduate reused their outfit even twice. That’s millions fewer gowns in landfills. For other occasions, companies like Rent the Runway let you borrow outfits so you can dazzle without the guilt.
2. Go Green
Some manufacturers, like Herff Jones, are stepping up with sustainable options. Their EarthGrad™ gowns, made from recycled materials, save the equivalent of 74 plastic bottles per gown. Look for companies making an effort to reduce their footprint.
3. Get Creative
Halloween costumes don’t have to come from a bag. Thrift stores and DIY ideas are your best friends. Same goes for bridesmaid dresses—try altering or dyeing them for a fresh, wearable look.
4. Embrace Quality Over Quantity
Instead of buying fast fashion, invest in versatile pieces that can be worn again and again. Bonus points for supporting brands committed to sustainability.
A Greener Way to Celebrate
Life’s milestones and celebrations are meant to be special, and your outfit is part of the magic. But we can make that magic more meaningful by thinking about what happens to our clothes after the party’s over.
Because at the end of the day, you don’t need to toss your traditions—you just need to tweak them. Whether it’s reusing a gown, renting a bridesmaid dress, or turning last year’s Halloween costume into this year’s DIY masterpiece, there’s always a way to celebrate in style and sustainability.
So, here’s to wearing your (eco-friendly) cape proudly, whether it’s at graduation, a wedding, or your next big event. Who says you can’t save the planet and look good doing it?
Each year, millions of students across the United States don caps and gowns for graduation ceremonies, contributing to significant textile waste due to the traditional single-use nature of these garments.
Number of Graduates:
- High School: Approximately 3.7 million students graduated from U.S. high schools in the 2019–2020 academic year.
- College: In 2022, about 18.58 million students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities.
- While not all are graduating each year, this figure indicates a substantial number of annual college graduates.
Environmental Impact of Disposable Caps and Gowns:
Traditional graduation gowns are often made from petroleum-based polyester, a material that is not biodegradable and contributes to environmental pollution when discarded. The production of these gowns also involves significant resource consumption and carbon emissions.
To address these concerns, some manufacturers have introduced sustainable alternatives. For instance, Herff Jones offers the EarthGrad™ gown, made from 100% recycled materials. Each EarthGrad™ gown:
- Saves the equivalent of 74 plastic bottles from landfills.
- Reduces CO₂ emissions by 3.9 pounds.
- Conserves 5.4 liters of drinking water.
Initiatives for Reuse and Recycling:
Programs like Greener Grads aim to mitigate the environmental impact by collecting, sanitizing, and redistributing used gowns. On average, each gown collected by Greener Grads is reused 12 times, significantly reducing the demand for new gowns and the associated environmental footprint.
What’s the Solution?
Now, before we dive into guilt trip territory, let’s talk about how to make this whole situation better. Because, let’s be real, who doesn’t want to celebrate milestones without feeling like a walking landfill?
1. Rent or Borrow
For occasions like weddings, graduations, or even parties, renting outfits is becoming more popular. Services like Rent the Runway and HURR Collective offer the option to rent high-quality, stylish garments for a fraction of the cost—and you don’t have to worry about them ending up in a landfill after one use.
And let’s not forget about borrowing! If your cousin’s getting married and you’ve already got a closet full of wedding-appropriate dresses, why not swap? Or for your graduation, why not see if you can find a used gown from a former student? Many schools offer gown donation programs to reduce waste.
2. Recycle Your Gown
If renting or borrowing isn’t your thing, look for options to recycle. Greener Grads, for instance, is a program that allows students to send back their gowns to be cleaned and reused for future graduates. Some companies, like Herff Jones, also offer gown recycling programs that ensure these garments don’t end up as waste. Many brands are beginning to make strides toward creating recyclable fabrics or materials that use recycled content, so look for those options when purchasing new clothing.
3. DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Reuse
If you’re crafty, why not transform your old graduation gown into something useful? Some people have turned their gowns into pillowcases, tote bags, or even reusable shopping bags. And for those who love to experiment, consider repurposing your gown into a costume for Halloween or a piece of art. Get creative!
4. Choose Natural, Recyclable Fabrics
For special occasions or daily wear, look for garments made from natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, or linen, which are biodegradable and often have a lower environmental footprint. These fabrics tend to be more breathable and comfortable as well, so it’s a win-win!
What Can College Students Do to Advocate for Sustainable Graduation Attire?
Graduation season is a prime opportunity for students to push for sustainability initiatives on their campus. The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming—here’s how students can take action and make their voices heard:
1. Talk to the Right People
Start by reaching out to key decision-makers at your college or university. Here are the departments and individuals who typically handle graduation planning:
- Registrar’s Office: They often coordinate graduation attire orders and can influence vendor choices.
- Sustainability Office: Many colleges have sustainability committees or green initiatives that can advocate for eco-friendly practices.
- Student Government: Collaborate with student leaders to propose and support sustainable options for caps and gowns.
- Alumni Relations or Bookstore Managers: These teams are often involved in gown distribution and may have insights into alternatives like rental programs or gown recycling.
2. Present a Strong Case
To get buy-in, you’ll need to present a convincing argument. Use data and examples to illustrate the environmental impact of traditional graduation attire. Highlight alternatives such as:
- Recyclable or biodegradable gown materials (e.g., Herff Jones’ EarthGrad™).
- Reuse programs like Greener Grads.
- Cost-saving benefits of sustainable options over time.
Grassroots support can drive change. Here’s how to rally your peers:
3. Engage Fellow Students
- Petitions: Create a petition asking the school to adopt sustainable graduation attire and gather signatures.
- Social Media Campaigns: Use Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter to spread awareness and encourage other students to demand eco-friendly options.
- Club Partnerships: Partner with environmental or sustainability clubs on campus to amplify your efforts.
4. Reach Out to Sustainable Companies
If your school isn’t already working with eco-conscious vendors, take the initiative to recommend companies offering sustainable solutions. A few to consider:
- Herff Jones: Their EarthGrad™ line features gowns made from recycled materials.
- Oak Hall Cap & Gown: Known for offering gowns made from GreenWeaver® fabric, spun from recycled plastic bottles.
- Greener Grads: They provide rental programs and reusable gown initiatives.
By connecting your school with these companies, you can make it easier for them to transition to more sustainable practices.
5. Propose Long-Term Solutions
Graduation attire isn’t the only area ripe for change. Consider proposing a broader sustainability plan for campus events, including:
- Implementing cap and gown rental programs.
- Introducing thrifted or second-hand options for other single-use clothing like costumes or themed event attire.
- Launching educational campaigns about the environmental impact of fast fashion.
6. Follow Up
Advocacy doesn’t end with one email or meeting. Keep the conversation going by checking in with administrators, attending sustainability committee meetings, or volunteering to help implement new programs.
Small Steps, Big Impact
College students have a unique opportunity to challenge traditions and advocate for a greener future. By organizing, educating, and connecting with the right people, you can help your school embrace sustainable practices—not just for graduations but for all events that prioritize style over sustainability. So go ahead, take that first step, and make your cap-and-gown moment truly unforgettable—for all the right reasons.
The Takeaway: Be Part of the Solution, Not the Problem
We know it’s easy to slip into a “one-and-done” mindset with clothes, especially when something’s inexpensive and designed for a single occasion. But every time we buy or wear one of these garments, we’re contributing to the mountain of waste the fashion industry has built. The good news? You don’t have to become a minimalist or stop celebrating milestones in style. With just a little extra thought—like renting, recycling, or choosing natural fibers—you can make a big difference.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. If we all take small steps to reconsider our choices, we can make a huge impact in reducing textile waste. Plus, it’s pretty fun to think outside the box when it comes to reusing and repurposing your wardrobe. So, next time you pick up a fancy new outfit for that one-time event, ask yourself: Is there a more sustainable option? If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track to making a positive change!
And hey, even if you don’t have all the answers yet, just starting the conversation about waste is a huge win. So, let’s put the “sustainable” back in “celebration” and make every event a little less wasteful!
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