Throw Me Something Recyclable, Mister
BY: JILL SMITH
It’s Carnival season in New Orleans. A time for floats, throws and fun. But when the parades are over, the clean-up begins. And what a clean-up it is: more than 2.5 million pounds of debris is left on the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras.
This trash — plastic cups, doubloons, toys and beads – can make its way into storm drains, where it increases the chance for flooding, and into the environment, creating a hazard to wildlife. But with a little effort, these items can be collected and recycled.
That’s why we are proud to partner for a more sustainable Carnival season by supporting several projects through our Environmental Initiatives Fund.
The EIF, funded by company shareholders, identifies environmentally beneficial projects or programs that help better the environment by reducing emissions, protecting natural resources and restoring wetlands and forests.
Entergy is once again working with Grounds Krewe, a nonprofit organization focused on waste prevention, to increase recycling efforts and expand the use of eco-friendly throws and consumable goods. Formed in 2017, Grounds Krewe’s efforts have proven to be the most successful parade waste reduction and recycling effort in the history of New Orleans.
“Supporting a recycling program that helps ensure a sustainable Mardi Gras, which is so closely associated with our company hometown’s unique culture and appeal, fits well with our mission to add sustainable value to our communities and our commitment to protect the environment,” said Kelli Dowell, Entergy’s director of environmental policy.
On the Route Parade Recycling
Revelers will benefit from a parade recycling activity in partnership with Entergy, ArcGNO, The Urban Conservancy and Republic Services.
Paradegoers should be on the lookout for volunteers in neon vests Feb. 26, during the krewes of Iris and Tucks parades and Feb. 27, during the krewes of Okeanos, Mid-City and Thoth parades. Volunteers will distribute labeled recycling bags to paradegoers before the first parade and collect unwanted throws, aluminum cans and plastic waste following the last parade.
Sustainable Throw Catalog
Entergy is also helping ensure a more sustainable Mardi Gras even before a parade begins. Grounds Krewe was awarded a grant from Entergy's shareholder-funded Environmental Initiatives Fund to launch an online Sustainable Throw Catalog.
Catalog items are made from sustainable materials and biodegradable packaging and promote Louisiana’s unique culture. This year’s environmentally friendly options include red beans, jambalaya mix and ground coffee. Keep your eyes peeled and your hands raised high for these coveted sustainable throws throughout the Carnival season.
