As a photographer myself, I understand the allure of using shiny, plastic confetti to add sparkle and excitement to a photo shoot. However, when this confetti is used outdoors and not adequately cleaned up afterward, it can devastate our local wildlife. These small pieces of plastic often end up being ingested by animals, causing harm or even death. Plastic confetti is also a nuisance to clean up, so the grounds crew is left with more work (more $$$ spent by KSU to clean up).

Kennesaw State University's campus is home to a diverse range of wildlife species that are put at risk by this seemingly harmless celebratory accessory. According to the International Union of Conversation of Nature, an estimated 12 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the oceans each year (IUCN). While our campus may be miles away from the nearest ocean, it's important to remember that all waterways are connected.

By banning the use of plastic confetti on our university grounds, we can help protect not only our local wildlife but also contribute to global efforts to reduce plastic pollution. We urge Kennesaw State University’s administration, an organization that promotes sustainability, to implement this ban and encourage more sustainable practices among its students and staff.

To effectively ban plastic confetti, we, the students of Kennesaw State University, ask...

1. That the prohibition of non-biodegradable confetti be put in school policy.

2. That the student center sell biodegradable confetti (this can include "flower petal confetti," "bird seed confetti," and "biodegradable paper confetti,"). Providing an alternative option that is readily available makes students less likely to litter the ground with plastic.

3. That yard signs be implemented near popular photography spots warning against the use of plastic confetti and that the signs direct way to the student center, where an alternative (biodegradable confetti) is provided if one does want confetti.

ex: "Plastic confetti hurts the birds. (scrappy image) Pick up some biodegradable confetti at the KSU Bookstore!"

Please sign this petition if you believe in protecting our environment and wildlife from unnecessary harm caused by plastic pollution and showing kindness to our hardworking grounds crew.