Every spring, colorful red and yellow yard signs pop up on lawns across Berkeley. Each one proudly proclaims their family members' accomplishments: they graduated from Berkeley High School. This yard sign tradition originated in 2020 when students couldn’t graduate in person and since then has become an annual event. This tradition should continue in a more environmentally friendly and community-building way.
Each year, BHS buys more than 800 yard signs, which includes printing large plastic signs and metal stakes. Not every student necessarily ordered one, meaning some families would just end up throwing it away. It takes yard signs a minimum of 20 years to decompose and could fill up a significant percentage of our local landfills. Yard signs also aren't inclusive for all families, especially for those living in condos, apartments, or housing without a lawn who are unable to put up a yard sign. For those who do put them up, it shows where seniors live but besides the small emotional value, it doesn’t serve a practical purpose.
Instead, the BHS leadership could host a yard sign-making party that students who wanted a sign could attend to curate their own celebratory yard sign. This funding could also go towards alternative gifts for seniors. It could be a hoodie or tote bag with a BHS logo that could be used by students in practice while still illustrating their accomplishments.
In 2018, Alameda County had 88 percent of students graduate and for some students, this is a big accomplishment because they persisted through adversity or are the first to complete high school in their family. These signs are a symbol and keepsake of pride, fostering a broader sense of school spirit in residential communities; they publicly recognize their accomplishment which other gifts do not accomplish. They could even be a conversation starter for neighbors passing by. Similar to other gifts, they are something for seniors to look forward to receiving when they graduate. Alyssa Raimi, an ASB Leadership Senior Class Deputy said, “I think yard signs do show accomplishments and celebration, which is exciting.” By creating a sign-making event, BHS can reduce waste while maintaining a fun tradition.
We must remember that while yard signs are fun, they aren’t a practical graduation gift for all students. In addition, their environmental impact outweighs their positive aspects. Instead of buying an unnecessary amount of yard signs, BHS should shift its yard sign tradition into an artistic event in which students can choose to participate, therefore fostering community and saving the planet in the process.