By Noelia Almanzar, Alliance Intern Rutgers University ‘26
Being in the midst of graduation season, it’s an opportune time to reflect and celebrate all of your academic accomplishments. As you prepare to celebrate this significant milestone, it’s a great time to consider the environmental impacts of your festivities, whether a graduation or other gathering. By embracing sustainable practices, your graduation is sure to leave a positive impact on future generations and host a very special occasion for you and your loved ones.
We have the opportunity to be responsible stewards of the environment as we celebrate. Materials commonly found at graduation ceremonies and parties, such as confetti, balloons and decorations often have unseen impacts and huge indirect carbon footprints that negatively affect fish, wildlife and even the water you drink. Here are some of the ways we can substitute traditional materials for more eco-friendly alternatives and have a zero-waste event while still preserving the joy of grad.
Confetti
Confetti, a staple in graduation ceremonies and photos, adds sparkle to your moment. However, traditional confetti is made of plastic material, which is not biodegradable. And it is considered littering by cities such as Santa Barbara! Furthermore, it often gets mistaken as food by animals and ends up in waterways that threaten marine life and water quality.
Instead of plastics, try substituting biodegradable plant-based confetti, which can include flowers, leaves or seeds. Before scattering them around the area, make sure that the biodegradable substitutes are native and not toxic to wildlife. Moreover, you can blow bubbles as an alternative, infusing your ceremony with vibrancy and creating a delightful spectacle as the sky becomes adorned with shimmering joy.
Balloons
While balloons are a classic, they leave a substantial impact on the environment. Made of latex or mylar (which never biodegrades), balloons pose serious threats to wildlife and can float thousands of miles away, polluting even the most isolated areas. The Ocean Conservancy found that in the past 40 years, more than 1.8 million balloons, plastic fragments, and strings were released into the ocean worldwide. These releases and the consumption of helium, a finite resource, contribute to environmental degradation and increased marine deaths.
Consider opting for flags, ribbons or kites that can be reused and even more engaging for you and your guests. These vibrant alternatives not only reduce environmental harm but are sure to provide a memorable and colorful touch to your festivities.
Party Decorations
Commencing the graduation ceremony with a grad party has become a cherished tradition. Party decorations often include streamers, tablecloths and other single-use plastic materials, all of which contribute to plastic pollution. Consider some of these steps to make your gathering more eco-friendly.
Try reusables such as banners and decorations made of recycled paper like pom poms or banners to adorn your space. DIY signs, photographs and tapestries add a personal touch while still reducing waste. Moreover, consider using natural elements in your decorations to elevate your ambiance and commitment to the environment. Utilize potted plants, flowers and branches to create beautiful nature centerpieces. These additions are not only visually gorgeous but serve as great sustainable and biodegradable alternatives.
Party Supplies
Don’t forget about the party supplies! You can choose compostable or recyclable materials for the food and drink served at the event. Disposable items like plates, cups and utensils are often taken for granted and thrown out without a second thought. It is estimated that around 50% of plastic is used just once and thrown away. By prioritizing sustainability in our choice of supplies, we can take a meaningful step toward eliminating waste.
Embrace eco-conscious practices during the celebration itself and use reusable cutlery, cups and plates instead of single-use disposables. If you’re set on having an easy clean-up, opt for biodegradable items so they decompose instead of ending up in landfills.
Here’s to a Great Celebration
Every eco-friendly choice creates a significant positive impact on our planet. By making conscious choices about the materials we use and the practices we adopt, we can minimize plastic pollution, protect biodiversity and ensure clean water quality. Using sustainable practices ensures your celebrations reflect your commitment to both academic achievement and environmental stewardship.
Congratulations graduates!