Biodegradable Beads Aim to Make Mardi Gras More Sustainable

Krewes experiment with eco-friendly throws to reduce plastic waste

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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As Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans generate millions of pounds of plastic bead waste each year, some krewes are experimenting with biodegradable alternatives. The Krewe of Freret has banned plastic beads and is instead throwing 3D-printed "PlantMe Beads" made from a starch-based material that contain okra seeds, allowing them to be planted. LSU researchers have also developed algae-based bioplastic beads as a more sustainable option.

Why it matters

Plastic Mardi Gras beads are a major environmental issue, clogging storm drains and polluting nearby Lake Pontchartrain. Efforts to find more eco-friendly throws could help reduce the massive amount of waste generated during the annual celebrations.

The details

The "PlantMe Beads" developed at LSU are 3D-printed from a starch-based material called polylactic acid (PLA) and contain okra seeds, allowing them to be planted and decompose. The university has produced 3,000 of these beads for three krewes to use in the 2026 Carnival season. LSU researchers previously experimented with algae-based bioplastic beads, but found the production costs too high. They are also exploring ways to make the algae beads more commercially viable.

  • The Krewe of Freret banned plastic beads starting in 2025.
  • LSU researchers first got the idea to develop biodegradable beads in 2013.
  • The first iteration of LSU's biodegradable beads made from microalgae was produced in 2018.
  • The "PlantMe Beads" were created in 2026 for the upcoming Carnival season.

The players

Krewe of Freret

A Mardi Gras parading organization that banned plastic beads starting in 2025 and is now throwing 3D-printed biodegradable beads.

Pontchartrain Conservancy

A group that says plastic Mardi Gras beads clog storm drains and pollute nearby Lake Pontchartrain, and is studying the impact of microplastics in the lake.

Naohiro Kato

An associate professor of biology at LSU who has been working on developing biodegradable Mardi Gras bead alternatives, including algae-based bioplastics.

Alexis Strain

An LSU graduate student who has been experimenting with 3D-printing biodegradable "PlantMe Beads" made from a starch-based material.

Greg Rhoades

The co-founder of the Krewe of Freret, which banned plastic beads and is now throwing more sustainable throws like baseball hats.

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What they’re saying

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

— Kristi Trail, Executive director of the Pontchartrain Conservancy (PBS NewsHour)

“In 2025, we were the first krewe — major parading organization — to say, 'No more. No more cheap beads. Let's throw things that people value, that people appreciate, that can be used year-round.'”

— Greg Rhoades, Co-founder of the Krewe of Freret (PBS NewsHour)

“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 at LSU (PBS NewsHour)

What’s next

LSU researchers are continuing to experiment with different 3D printing materials that can biodegrade quickly without needing to be planted. They are also exploring ways to make their algae-based bioplastic beads more commercially viable as a sustainable alternative.

The takeaway

The push for more eco-friendly Mardi Gras throws represents a broader trend towards reducing waste and embracing sustainability during the annual celebrations. While plastic beads remain a major issue, innovative solutions like biodegradable beads containing seeds show promise in making the festivities more environmentally friendly.