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Sustainable Graduation

By Kikei Wong

UCLA Zero Waste Manager


Graduation is a time of celebration. We all crave that picture-perfect moment with confetti, glitter, champagne, and balloons. However, these products litter the campus with trash that is difficult to clean up and contribute to pollution far from campus. Here are some swaps to make your moment magical without making a mess! The full guide is available for download.

Glitter & Confetti for Bubbles & Filters

All forms of glitter and confetti are very difficult to clean up because of its small size. Most of it ends up as contamination in storm drains and waterways, threatening water quality and marine life.

Champagne for Sparkling Water

Popping champagne is not permitted as open alcohol containers are not allowed on UCLA Grounds.

Balloons for Props & Cutouts

Balloons are a huge source of ocean pollution and are often mistaken for food, suffocating and killing marine animals. Mylar balloons also cause hundreds of power outages and fires in California alone when they make contact with transformers and power lines.

Graduation Gown Return

Graduation gowns are used only a few times and are often left to collect dust in a closet after this celebratory period.

Congrats to all the grads! If you have any questions or feedback for future sustainable graduation programs, please email zerowaste@ucla.edu.