Biodegradable Mardi Gras Beads Aim to Make Carnival More Sustainable

New Orleans krewes are embracing eco-friendly bead alternatives to reduce plastic waste.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Mardi Gras in New Orleans traditionally features millions of cheap plastic beads thrown from parade floats, many of which end up polluting the city's waterways. In response, some krewes are now using biodegradable beads made from plant-based materials that can be planted to grow okra. This shift towards more sustainable throws is part of a broader effort to make the Carnival celebration more environmentally friendly.

Why it matters

Plastic Mardi Gras beads have become a major environmental problem in New Orleans, clogging storm drains and polluting nearby Lake Pontchartrain. The shift to biodegradable alternatives is an important step in reducing the massive amount of waste generated during the Carnival season, which is estimated at 2.5 million pounds.

The details

The biodegradable "PlantMe Beads" are 3D-printed from a starch-based material called polylactic acid (PLA) and contain okra seeds that allow the beads to decompose after being planted. Three New Orleans krewes are using the PlantMe Beads in 2026, with LSU students producing 3,000 necklaces for the krewes to test. The university is also exploring other sustainable bead options, including a 3D-printed material that biodegrades quickly without needing to be planted.

  • Mardi Gras is celebrated annually in New Orleans.
  • The Krewe of Freret banned plastic beads from their parade in 2025.
  • LSU students produced 3,000 PlantMe Bead necklaces for the 2026 Carnival season.

The players

Krewe of Freret

A Mardi Gras parading organization in New Orleans that banned plastic beads from their parade in 2025.

Alexis Strain

A graduate student at Louisiana State University who developed the biodegradable "PlantMe Beads" made from a starch-based material and containing okra seeds.

Naohiro Kato

An associate professor of biology at Louisiana State University who oversees the development of sustainable Mardi Gras bead alternatives.

Kristi Trail

The executive director of the Pontchartrain Conservancy, an organization that is studying the environmental impact of plastic Mardi Gras beads.

Greg Rhoades

The co-founder of the Krewe of Freret, which was the first major parading organization to ban cheap plastic beads.

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What they’re saying

“Our riders loved it because the spectators don't value this anymore. It's become so prolific that they dodge out of the way when they see cheap plastic beads coming at them.”

— Greg Rhoades, Co-founder, Krewe of Freret (wbal.com)

“Beads are obviously a problem, but we generate about 2.5 million pounds of trash from Mardi Gras.”

— Kristi Trail, Executive Director, Pontchartrain Conservancy (wbal.com)

“So wait a minute, if you want to keep it, the petroleum-plastic Mardi Gras bead is the best, because this won't last.”

— Naohiro Kato, Associate Professor of Biology, Louisiana State University (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Pontchartrain Conservancy recently received a grant to study the impact of the shift towards more sustainable Mardi Gras throws, including biodegradable beads, on reducing overall waste from the celebration.

The takeaway

The move towards biodegradable Mardi Gras beads is part of a broader effort to make the iconic New Orleans celebration more environmentally friendly, reducing the massive amount of plastic waste that has historically been generated. While challenges remain, these innovative solutions demonstrate how major cultural events can adapt to become more sustainable.