Mardi Gras Goes Green With Eco-Friendly Throws

Quick Smiles:

• Coalition introduces biodegradable Mardi Gras throws to combat plastic waste.
• Creative alternatives include spice bags, native seed mixes, and plant-based glitter.
• Local scientists develop eco-beads from algae and sugarcane byproducts to protect city drainage.

The joyful chaos of Mardi Gras often leaves New Orleans with streets full of plastic debris, but a new coalition of government and nonprofit groups is turning the tide with innovative, sustainable party favors known as “seed beads.”

This effort not only tackles more than 1,100 tons of annual landfill waste, but also helps protect the city’s stormwater systems—vital after lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina.

Grounds Krewe, a nonprofit working inside the “Recycle Dat” coalition, realized that simply cleaning up wasn’t enough, so founder Brett Davis launched eco-conscious throws like tiny sacks of Jambalaya spice and native wildflower seed mix for parade participants.

“The city used to measure the success of Mardi Gras based on the trash collected,” said Kevin Ferguson, chief of staff for the New Orleans mayor. “But there are a lot of reasons we have to make a change.”

Innovation abounds as scientists from the University of Louisiana and LSU design biodegradable beads using algae and sugarcane byproducts, making each throw both a treasure and a step toward a cleaner city.

These creative changes are reigniting the excitement of catching unique Mardi Gras keepsakes while reducing the festival’s impact on the environment.

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras and the volunteers leading the way to a greener, happier celebration!

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