New environmentally friendly business suits are now under
the ownership of more than 50 FAMU School of Business and
Industry students.
Dean Shawnta Friday-Stroud along with alumnus Jemal Gibson (pictured)
and Cintas Chief Operating Officer Phillip Holloman announced a new partnership
with Cintas that will provide students with access to eco-friendly suits.
The environmentally friendly suits are comprised of 65
percent recycled materials and 35 percent cotton. Materials such as plastic
bottles have been transformed into wearable material for the business suits.
According to the Cintas 2012 Corporate Responsibility
Report, Cintas diverted over 15 million plastic water bottles from landfills. A
large majority of the eco-garments can be home laundered, eliminating the harsh
chemicals used in the dry cleaning process.
“I didn’t have a suit when I started school,” Gibson said.
“By having a suit, you know that you deserve to be here.”
Students were chosen based on their financial need and a
descriptive essay on how the suit will improve them professionally. The
recipients were fitted and will receive their suits free of charge.
Janelle Bassa, a senior business administration student from
Lloyd, Fla., said the new addition to her closet is very exciting.
“As a SBIan, there are always functions to attend,” Bassa
said. “Not only will I be prepared for class, but I have a new suit for the
workforce as well.”
The eco-friendly design will save over $1,000 in dry
cleaning costs per year and keep over 1,000 plastic bottles out of landfills
per suit.
Joel Blount, president of SBI Roundtable, said he is proud
to be the owner of a suit.
“I receive a lot of compliments for the suit,” Blount said.
“No one can tell the difference from any other suit. It’s a great fit and I
look fly.”
The new partnership will provide stipends for 10 years
allowing students to purchase the machine-washable attire at a discounted
price.