Unity plans green commencement

04/04/2009

UNITY -- Unity College is planning its "greenest" commencement ceremony ever and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins will be the keynote speaker.

Commencement is planned for May 9 at 1 p.m. in the gymnasium.

What's going to be so green about the ceremony? Diplomas will be printed on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper, rented plates and silverware will be cleaned with environmentally friendly products, and energy-efficient lighting will be used generated from 100 percent renewable sources, and more, college officials said.

"We believe that our commencement will be among the greenest held anywhere," said Kate Grenier, alumni relations and events coordinator. "Our focus is on frugal sustainability, which means being green in a way that is also cost effective."

Graduates will also receive a sapling tree as a symbol of their lifelong commitment to the environment and growth throughout their life.