No Confetti ECU

Note: this article was originally published last year. While the relevancy and impact of confetti on ECU’s campus has not changed, the students referred to as “seniors” in this article have now graduated.

The No Confetti ECU campaign is an initiative to promote reducing non-biodegradable confetti use in senior pictures. The campaign is driven by the need to protect the environment and create awareness surrounding confetti’s negative impact on the planet. Confetti is often made from non-biodegradable materials such as plastic and can significantly impact wildlife, especially marine life. No Confetti ECU seeks to educate ECU students, faculty, and photographers on the environmental impact of confetti on our planet while providing suggestions for alternatives.

McKenzie Perry, an East Carolina University senior participating in the No Confetti ECU Campaign, spoke to photography students about the campaign and how they could be part of the change. She stated ways photographers could significantly impact, such as encouraging clients to use biodegradable confetti or alternatives. Another method she shared was for them to only promote clients who use biodegradable confetti or confetti alternatives on their social networks.

No Confetti ECU has been a campaign that has transpired around campus since 2019. Our intent is to spread awareness and influence ECU seniors to pay more attention and take more initiative to keep the campus clean and environmentally friendly. East Carolina University senior Mary Lofland stated, “No Confetti ECU is a campaign I have noticed going around campus for the last four years I’ve been at ECU. I see the movement becoming more relevant around campus. I will say promoting confetti alternatives to use instead of traditional confetti is a good step in the right direction.”

As Mary and McKenzie stated, the No Confetti ECU campaign intends to encourage using eco-friendly alternatives to confetti, such as flower petals, bubbles, or biodegradable confetti. In addition, No Confetti ECU aims to inspire individuals to take a step towards environmental protection by making conscious decisions every day that will positively impact the environment.

The campaign seeks to create a ripple effect that encourages individuals and organizations to make more environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives. With the rise in environmental concerns globally, we all must take responsibility and make the necessary changes to protect the planet. We hope it inspires more people to take action toward environmental sustainability and keep their beautiful campus confetti-free.