Making Mardi Gras More Sustainable
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is an extravagant celebration—but it also produces 2.5 million pounds of waste in under two weeks, with plastic beads making up a large portion. Grounds Krewe, founded by Brett Davis in 2017, is working to change that by recycling throws, promoting sustainability, and offering eco-friendly alternatives.
The group’s efforts focus on three key areas: collecting recyclables, reusing beads, and selling sustainable throws like bamboo toothbrushes and biodegradable glitter. Initially, they distributed mesh bags along parade routes for bead collection, later expanding to partnering with the city to place recycling bins along routes.
To raise awareness, they created The TrashFormers, a marching krewe that dresses in eco-themed costumes and collects recyclables at smaller neighborhood parades. While their direct impact is limited, the goal is to shift public perception of Mardi Gras waste.
Beyond cleanup efforts, Grounds Krewe is pushing for long-term change by replacing plastic throws with sustainable options. Their initiative also supports local businesses, offering products like handmade soaps and jambalaya mix. In just their second year, they partnered with the Krewe of Iris and sold over 100,000 eco-friendly items.
With growing awareness, Davis believes Mardi Gras can evolve into a greener, more responsible tradition—without losing its signature fun.
