Recycle your Mardi Gras beads with Shreveport Green

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)— Shreveport Green is collecting Mardi Gras beads throughout the city until March 30th to divert waste and positively impact the environment.

Lauren Jones, the Director of Shreveport Green, announced that they are setting up bead collection sites throughout the city to reduce the release of toxic chemicals from Mardi Gras beads into the environment.

“Everyone LOVES getting Mardi Gras beads during carnival season, but people don’t often realize how toxic many of these beads are. When beads get left on the ground, they usually get washed into our drainage systems and release toxic chemicals into the environment, which can harm our entire ecosystem,” says Jones.

Jones says the beads release toxic chemicals, including arsenic, barium, chromium, copper, and even lead. In addition to their significant impact on our drinking water and wildlife, these substances can also contribute to serious flooding issues, something we know all too well in Louisiana.

“We will be separating and cleaning the beads that are not broken and plan to redistribute to the krewes next year. Our hope is to reduce the amount of purchasing and waste that is created from Mardi Gras every year! ”

Jones says this is why Shreveport Green is intervening through a bead collection.

“Our motto is LESS BEADS MORE SEEDS. This year, we were able to distribute thousands of packets of wildflower seeds to parade goers along the parade route. We have had incredible feedback, and the interest is rising among recipients. While we know that beads are always going to be a part of Mardi Gras, we will do our best to reduce the amount of toxic waste going into the environment through collections and distributions for years to come!” says Jones.

This is all leading up to the Catahoula Wine Mixer, which is March 28th & 29th. The funds raised go towards Shreveport Green’s mission.