It is officially graduation season which means all those who have finished their studies may want to have a photo shoot in their robe and cap as a way to commemorate their significant accomplishment. I still have at least two years of college to go before I can schedule my own photography session on campus, but it brings a smile to my face to see the hard work of countless students finally pay off as they enter their careers. Some use posters, some use props, and others use other elements that will give their photos some pizzazz. This is a great idea and makes the photo shoot even more fun.

However, it's not so spectacular for the local wildlife when trash from the props is left behind.

Most graduates I've seen getting their picture taken seem to have the right idea because I've never seen large amounts of trash from them while walking around campus, but I have seen countless piles of glitter on sidewalks.

The ocean is already filled with an insane amount of plastic, and it definitely doesn't need the leftover glitter that may be eventually hosed down the sewer drain. According to CNN, "Microplastics [a term used for small particles of plastic like glitter which can also include microbeads found in some skin-exfoliating products] can pollute marine environments, leech chemicals into the water and pose harm to marine life if they are ingested." Plus, if a campus squirrel or bird were to get to the pile of glitter before someone can pick it up, then it also poses a threat to them if they were to consume some.

I am in no way saying that you're not allowed to take graduation photos and have fun with them, but those who leave trash are about to enter the "real world" and should know better. I recognize the fact that it's nearly impossible to be able to pick up every single piece of glitter, but the way I see it, there are at least three solutions here aside from making the switch to biodegradable glitter: bring a portable vacuum, put down a sheet to catch glitter that is thrown, or use a different prop.

I applaud your completion of college and wish you the best in life, but the health of our environment and its inhabitants are more important than a few fun pictures from your photoshoot.