Bermuda College’s Commencement ceremony this Thursday will be slightly different, with the College saying they are “deliberately moving away from the use of traditional balloons as an integral part of its decorations and gift sales.”

The College is an awarded Eco-school and has committed to implement environmentally sustainable behaviours on campus as part of its strategic plan.

Amy Harvey, Earth and Environmental Senior Science Lecturer, and a member of a sub-committee examining infrastructure, as part of the College’s strategic plan, said that the move is a bold but necessary one.

“This year we are hoping to raise awareness to the wider community on the importance of not only reducing waste, but getting the public to think about the impact of that waste. Bermuda College is going balloon-free from the perspective of decorating as well as gifts for sale in our College Bookstore,” she said.

“We are encouraging all guests to consider joining us by choosing eco-friendly gifts for their graduate this year. Plant a tree, give them an experience for a gift, or money towards further education. We’re hoping that the ‘Balloon-free Graduation’ initiative will hopefully spark others to get on board.”

Read more here: http://bernews.com/2019/05/college-to-have-balloon-free-graduation/