The end of a semester always comes with the joy of a new batch of graduates. Finishing college calls for celebration. However, documenting these milestone moments can create environmentally damaging waste.

“UAB Sustainability works hand-in-hand with our Facilities Grounds team to find solutions to everyday problems,” said Bambi Ingram, manager of UAB Sustainability. “One of those problems is how good-intentioned students can cause harm to our campus and our environment. Graduation celebrations are understandably festive, but we want to ensure you can celebrate sustainably.”

Graduation photoshoots and events often lead to confetti, glitter, Mylar balloons or streamers or other celebratory items littered on the ground and in the street. These items can wash away into drainage systems, which leads to local water sources where they can harm aquatic life. Birds are also drawn to eating confetti and glitter because they’re small and eye-catching.  

These celebratory items are virtually impossible to clean up. In addition to the environmental impacts these materials have, the litter is inevitably scattered and pressed into the ground which creates additional, tedious work for the UAB Grounds team.

In preparation for this semester’s commencement, UAB Sustainability has three suggestions for how to celebrate sustainably and make those photos pop:

Water-soluable Confetti

If you want the classic photo blowing or throwing confetti, ensure to pick up rice paper or other water-soluable confetti. There are many companies that make these options, and they dissolve easily in water. Be cautious about brands that label themselves as biodegradable, as they can take much more time to break down. The longer the confetti is on the ground, the greater the likelihood it will negatively affect wildlife.

Flower Petals

For the romantics out there, scattering flower petals creates a gorgeous effect for your photos. You can find flowers in pretty much any color, and just a couple flowers will give you a lot of petals for a decent price.

Bubbles

While they might not be an item you can toss, bubbles can be a great way to fill the frame and add interest to your photos. You can blow them yourself or have some friends blow them into the photo area..