MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT: REDUCE TRASH AT MARDI GRAS
In 2023, a study commissioned by civic leaders documented the annual economic impact of our Mardi Gras season at $891 million, reporting on both the local and tourism activities that make up this New Orleans tradition.
While the report emphasizes the creative and vital ways local businesses help New Orleans prosper each Carnival season, it also acknowledges one significant cost of managing what Mardi Gras parades leave in their wake: trash.
““Why are throws being made halfway around the world, to be thrown off a float to land in the street ...only to then be dumped into a landfill?” Brett Davis, Founder, Grounds Krewe”
Urban Conservancy, LCI Workers’ Comp, Grounds Krewe and many community partners have begun grass roots efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the world’s greatest free street party.
In the past few years, more krewes, riders, dance troupes and business owners than ever before have made choices that give revelers green options. Here are some suggestions to consider when choosing to reduce your environmental impact this Mardi Gras:
set an intention for throws worth catching from local companies; see some of 2025’s most sought after Mardi Gras items from Grounds Krewe, which sources from innovators like Epiphany Throws and Jambalaya Girl;
plan to support Mardi Gras krewes which align with your values, such as Krewe of Freret, Krewe of Muses, and walking krewes in smaller parades like Chewbacchus;
contribute to the recycling efforts by visiting drop offs located on the St. Charles Avenue parade route, operated by volunteers, and supported by RecycleDat, Glass Half Full and others;
when visiting our favorite local businesses, ask what they do to support sustainability such as offer a water refilling station or compostable single use food containers. See a growing roster of New Orleans’ eco-friendly businesses on our directory.