(BLACK PR WIRE/FAMU-TALLAHASSEE) – New environmentally friendly business suits are now under the ownership of over 50 Florida A&M University’s School of Business and Industry students.

Dean Shawnta Friday-Stroud along with alumnus Jemal Gibson 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.

Students were asked to write an essay and submit proof of need. The recipients were fitted and will receive their suits free of charge.

SBI alumnus Jemal Gibson said this is a small opportunity to pour love back into his school.

“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. 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.

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