USJ’s First-Ever Green Graduation Show “EVERY 1” – Where Creativity Meets Sustainability
USJ's First-Ever Green Graduation Show "EVERY 1" – Where Creativity Meets Sustainability
20
May
20/05/2025
This year’s Bachelor of Communication and Media Graduation Show, “EVERY 1” was USJ’s first-ever green graduation exhibition, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in student-led events.
While creativity and storytelling took center stage at this year’s Bachelor of Communication and Media (BCM) Graduation Show, “EVERY 1” also broke new ground in a quieter but equally powerful way: it was University of Saint Joseph’s (USJ) first-ever green graduation exhibition, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in student-led events.
Organized by the Department of Media, Art and Technology (MAT) in close collaboration with the USJ Green Committee, this year’s showcase was designed from the ground up with environmental consciousness in mind. Traditionally, exhibitions are high-impact events when it comes to waste, energy use, and non-recyclable materials. “EVERY 1” turned that narrative around.
For the first time, no disposable promotional materials – such as flags, roll-ups, or printed backdrops – were used. Foam boards and other foam-based displays, typically ubiquitous in exhibitions, were completely eliminated. In their place, students and organizers opted for recycled and recyclable paper, dramatically reducing the show’s plastic footprint. As a result, an estimated 98% of the materials used were either reusable or recyclable, making this event a model of low-waste execution.
The commitment to sustainability went beyond materials. Recognizing that ecology is also about energy consumption, the MAT Department and Green Committee went a step further by calculating the carbon footprint of the exhibition. Plans are already in place to offset the CO₂ emissions through tree planting initiatives in Macao, demonstrating a full-circle approach to environmental responsibility.
“Climate action is not just a slogan – it’s a responsibility,” said one of the organizers. “This generation of students deeply understands the urgency of the climate crisis. By making this event green, we’re not only showcasing their creative talent but also their commitment to building a more sustainable future.”
The “EVERY 1” show has set a powerful precedent, proving that environmentally conscious exhibitions at USJ are not only possible – they are the future. As the installations continue to inspire visitors at the Kent Wong Gallery until 30 May, they also leave behind an important message: meaningful storytelling and climate responsibility can – and should – go hand in hand.
