Northwestern College continues use of "green" caps and gowns

Northwestern College President Lawrence Schumacher proudly announced that for the seventh straight year, the College will feature environmentally-friendly caps and gowns at its annual commencement ceremony, scheduled June 8. Through its ongoing efforts to “go green” whenever and wherever it can, the College has again chosen to utilize the Jostens Elements Collection™ for its regalia. Elements™ regalia is sustainable as it starts from nature and returns to nature.

The continued use of environmentally-friendly regalia is yet another way that Northwestern College supports its goal toward sustainability and its mission to go green. Each opportunity taken to “go green” assists Northwestern College with its goal of reducing its carbon footprint, thereby doing its part in preserving our environment. Over the years, sustainable caps and gowns have been well-received and appreciated by the graduates and staff who have worn them at previous ceremonies.

While the ecologically friendly regalia looks and feels the same as traditionally made caps and gowns, the Jostens Elements™ regalia is unique in that it is sustainable from the way it starts - from nature – as well as the way it finishes – it returns to nature. First, the fibers in the gown are sourced from renewable managed forests. The fabric itself contains 57% bio-based content by weight, which is far above the 25% certification minimum. In addition, the zipper tape and teeth used in the front of the gown are made from 100% recycled PET, which is one of the most widely recycled plastics. When the gowns are no longer of use and are disposed of, since their make-up includes USDA certified bio-based products, the fabric is proven to decompose in soil within just one year, as shown in scientific tests under controlled conditions.

Jostens also employs the use of earth-friendly plastic packaging when transporting the individually wrapped caps and gowns to the College, specially prepared for each graduate. The packaging contains ECM Bio Films™, a material that facilitates the decomposition process and has been proven to decompose in landfills within reasonably short periods of time.

Lastly, through the use of Jostens Elements™ regalia, one final message is imparted on the students regarding sustainability, encouraging each of them to continue to play their part in preserving our environment. Each gown comes with a large tag that educates the graduates about the gown and encourages their participation in Jostens Student Give Back Program. For every response received, Jostens donates $1 to an environmentally sustainable project. To date, through the Student Give Back Program, Jostens has currently donated nearly $50,000 to support sustainability efforts worldwide.

“We only have one planet, and Northwestern College remains committed to protecting it and ensuring its sustainability for generations to come,” commented President Schumacher. “Incorporating ecologically friendly caps and gowns at our annual commencement ceremony is an extremely visible way of showcasing Northwestern College’s ongoing efforts to go “Green,” which we hope our graduates will continue to support moving forward.”

About Northwestern College: Northwestern College (NC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, (312) 263-0456, www.hlcommission.org. The college offers focused career-oriented associate degree and certificate programs with flexible schedules and a supportive faculty. Day, evening, weekend, online classes and online programs are available. More information can be found at www.NC.edu or by calling toll-free (888) 205-2283.