Dear Graduates,
As graduation and commencement ceremonies approach, along with the wonderful moments we have all been looking forward to, we would like to inform you about an important matter concerning the way these ceremonies are celebrated at the Democritus University of Thrace (D.U.Th.). Recently, there has been an increased use of confetti and streamer cannons – mainly containing plastic and non-biodegradable materials – during ceremonies, both indoors and outdoors (rooms, auditoriums, courtyards).
While we understand the need for joy and celebration, the use of these materials has caused several problems:
- They are extremely difficult and time-consuming to clean up. In many cases, tiny pieces of plastic remain in the premises, creating an image that does not reflect well on our community.
- The D.U.Th. Technical Services staff, who already have many responsibilities, are often required to devote significant time to cleaning up materials of this kind, resulting in a cost in terms of both human and financial resources.
- Residues end up in suspended ceilings and cables or clog drainage systems, with both practical and environmental consequences.
- Above all, these materials do not biodegrade and place an additional burden on the ecosystem of our area.
For all these reasons and, above all, as a measure to protect the environment, it has been decided that confetti, streamers, or similar materials may no longer be used during commencement ceremonies – both indoors and outdoors on D.U.Th. premises.
We therefore encourage you to actively support this decision by taking the following actions:
- Inform your friends and relatives in advance, so that such materials are not used out of ignorance or with good intentions.
- Respect the University’s premises, the staff working to support these events, and, of course, the environment that surrounds us.
- Celebrate in a creative, environmentally friendly, and responsible way. The joy of graduation is immense and does not need to be accompanied by litter – it can be just as powerful and impressive with a big round of applause, a hug, and plenty of photographs.
Graduation is an important moment for everyone. Let us keep it beautiful and clean, for ourselves, for those who come after us, and for our environment.
Kind regards,
On behalf of the DUTH Administration