Plastic confetti discouraged on Alabama college campus
FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama college is asking people to quit using plastic confetti as a photo prop on campus.
The scenic University of North Alabama is a popular spot for photo shoots in Florence, but school officials say some of those sessions are leaving behind plastic confetti that's shot into the air.
Birds and other animals can mistake the little pieces for food, and biology professor Jake Dittel told the TimesDaily the confetti can kill wildlife.
“We’re trying to encourage our staff, students, faculty and our university community and guests to think about how to help us maintain this beautiful campus and keep it environmentally friendly,” said Brenda Webb, who chairs the Department of Physics and Earth Science.
Confetti also is winding up in a large fountain that's sometimes used as a photo backdrop. That forces workers to turn off the water to clean out a filter.
“A lot of the pictures are being made near the fountain ... and some of the confetti will end up in the fountain itself. Most of that will go into our strainers ... but some make it into our fountain pump,” said Michael Gautney, an assistant vice president for facilities.
Gautney said several colleges have implemented plans and policies to address problems with confetti.