Biodegradable Mardi Gras Beads Aim to Reduce Waste

LSU-developed PlantMe Beads feature okra seeds to promote sustainability during Carnival season

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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In an effort to address the environmental impact of the millions of plastic Mardi Gras beads discarded each year, the Krewe of Freret and two other New Orleans krewes are throwing biodegradable beads developed at Louisiana State University. The 'PlantMe Beads' are 3D-printed from a starch-based material and contain okra seeds, allowing them to decompose after the festivities.

Why it matters

Plastic Mardi Gras beads have long been an environmental concern, clogging storm drains and polluting nearby Lake Pontchartrain. This shift towards more sustainable throws represents a growing trend to make the Carnival season more eco-friendly, though challenges remain in scaling up production and changing long-held traditions.

The details

The PlantMe Beads were developed by LSU graduate student Alexis Strain and Professor Naohiro Kato. They are 3D-printed from a commercially available bioplastic called polylactic acid (PLA) and contain okra seeds, allowing them to decompose after being discarded. For the 2026 Carnival season, LSU has produced 3,000 PlantMe Bead necklaces to distribute to three krewes for feedback.

  • The Krewe of Freret banned plastic beads from their parade last year.
  • The PlantMe Beads will be used by three krewes during the 2026 Carnival season.

The players

Krewe of Freret

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

Alexis Strain

A graduate student at Louisiana State University who developed the PlantMe Beads.

Naohiro Kato

An associate professor of biology at Louisiana State University who oversees the research into biodegradable Mardi Gras beads.

Kristi Trail

The executive director of the Pontchartrain Conservancy, an organization studying the environmental impact of Mardi Gras waste.

Greg Rhoades

The co-founder of the Krewe of Freret.

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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 (cleveland.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 (cleveland.com)

What’s next

LSU students will continue experimenting with new 3D printing materials to develop even more quickly biodegradable bead designs. The university is also exploring ways to turn bead-making into a community project with local schools.

The takeaway

The shift towards more sustainable Mardi Gras throws, like the PlantMe Beads, represents a growing effort to reduce the environmental impact of the millions of plastic beads discarded each year. While challenges remain, these biodegradable alternatives show how Carnival traditions can evolve to become more eco-friendly.