Turn the Tassel, Ditch the Glitter

Think back to the last time you celebrated something meaningful. A birthday, an award, a milestone in your life, or any goal that calls for joy, noise, bursts of color, and chaos. For many, graduation is one of these meaningful celebrations, and we’re about to enter commencement season again at Florida State University. 

Example of a graduation photo without confetti or glitter 

 Each FSU student walking across the stage at graduation carries with them years of late nights, difficult choices, and a transformation that deserves recognition. Before the celebration begins, and before reaching for glitter, opening a bag of confetti, or popping a bottle of champagne, take a moment to ask: where do all the celebratory items go after use? 

Whatever  lands on the ground, it doesn't stay there. Deflated balloons, colorful plastic wrappers, and the last shimmering piece of glitter from celebrations will end up in the water. Glitter is a concerning type of microplastic that contributes to environmental pollution, and confetti, especially that made from shiny foil and synthetic materials, is far from biodegradable. Anything that touches the soil we stand on flows into our local watershed, the St. Marks Watershed. 

Waterways in Wakulla Springs, part of the St Marks Watershed 

Additionally, celebration debris impacts more beyond the watershed. After each ceremony, FSU Facilities staff spend hours cleaning glitter-embedded pathways, picking confetti out of landscaping, and restoring campus spaces after each ceremony. Small choices about celebrations can make a big difference. 

Changing celebration decorations doesn’t mean giving up the joy of celebration or its spirit; instead,  seek out environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, bubbles are not only visually enchanting as they float and shimmer in the sunlight, but they are also biodegradable, making them enjoyable for all age groups. Additionally, flower petals add vibrant colors, have a pleasant fragrance, and do not pollute our water as they naturally break down. There are plenty of creative options available that allow for celebration with ease while keeping our waterways safe and unpolluted. 

Stormwater Liaison, Camila Campos Lam reporting on storm drains on FSU’s campus 

Florida State University and the Tallahassee community take immense pride in Florida's natural resources and the connections they have to them. Protecting these treasures is not an obligation, but it embodies the essence of FSU's legacy. As we celebrate graduation, we are reminded that our choices, no matter the size, shape our lives in a profound way. So have this in mind next time you celebrate, as it can significantly impact the cherished landscapes around us. By making environmentally responsible decisions during your celebrations, you help preserve these vital ecosystems for generations to come. 

As graduates, cherish their upcoming commencement graduation, remember to fully embrace the moment. While confetti may be tempting, choosing eco-friendly options helps protect our environment. Instead, this celebration should be a grand expression of legacy and responsibility, proof that the class of 2026 understands that how we celebrate matters just as much as what we're celebrating.