Mardi Gras is a time of vibrant celebrations, parades, and beads — lots of beads. For decades, plastic beads have been one of the most iconic symbols of carnival. They’re tossed from floats, collected by revelers, and often end up in the trash and storm drains, contributing significantly to the growing problem of plastic waste. In 2018, 46 tons of beads were pulled from the storm drains in a five-block area.

As the environmental impact of these tiny plastic treasures becomes more apparent, the question arises: What can we do to reduce plastic waste and create a more sustainable Mardi Gras?

Enter the Krewe of Iris — an all female krewe that is over 100 years old. The Krewe of Iris doesn’t just stand out for its legacy, it stands out for its commitment to offsetting the environmental impact of beads. In a brilliant move, floats in the Krewe of Iris partnered with the Kim Starr Wise team to provide real irises instead of plastic beads. Not only does this bring a new dimension of beauty and elegance to the parade, but it also offers a sustainable alternative to the plastic waste that often clutters landfills for years.

The Plastic Problem During Mardi Gras

Regular Mardi Gras beads, made of non-biodegradable plastic, are often thrown into the trash or onto the ground after just a few hours of use. While some beads are recycled, the majority end up in landfills or, worse, in waterways, where they contribute to the larger global plastic pollution crisis.

In New Orleans, the environmental toll of Mardi Gras is staggering. A significant portion of waste consists of plastic debris, including beads, cups, and other disposable items. These materials take hundreds of years to break down and contribute to plastic pollution in the environment.

Blooming Solution: The Krewe of Iris

Rather than contributing to the plastic problem, we worked with floats in Iris to provide real irises to throw to parade-goers. These beautiful, vibrant flowers offer a contrast to the usual plastic beads, making the parade stunning and sustainable. Imagine thinking you’re going to catch beads, but instead you catch a real flower!

The choice of irises is symbolic. Irises are not only beautiful but also rooted in the culture of Mardi Gras. In fact, the iris was chosen as the symbol for the Krewe of Iris because it’s a flower that represents hope, faith, and wisdom — qualities that resonate with the parade’s mission of sustainability and positive change. We are committed to offering flowers that are both beautiful and eco-friendly, ensuring that the irises can be composted after the festivities, reducing their environmental impact compared to plastic waste.

Why Real Flowers Over Plastic?

There are a number of reasons why switching to real flowers, like irises, is a game-changer for Mardi Gras celebrations:

Biodegradability: Unlike plastic beads, which can take centuries to decompose, real irises will break down naturally over time, in the garbage or in your backyard. This reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and helps prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into the environment.
Aesthetic Appeal: The irises add a layer of beauty and elegance to the parade. Instead of a soggy, dirty grocery bag of beads on your kitchen floor, you can have the vivid purple and yellow hues of irises on your countertop.
Sustainability: By working with us, the Krewe of Iris is supporting local businesses and contributing to the New Orleans economy.
Composting Opportunities: After the parade, any remaining flowers can be composted, enriching the soil instead of taking up space in landfills.

A Step Toward a Greener Future

While the Krewe of Iris’s efforts represent an exciting shift toward sustainability during Mardi Gras, it’s important to remember that it’s just one step in a larger movement toward greener celebrations. Many krewes are shifting their focus from throwing single-use items to handing out sustainable and reusable throws.

By embracing real flowers like irises instead of plastic beads, we are not only reducing waste but also sending a powerful message about the importance of environmental stewardship. In the coming years, we hope to see more krewes, parades, and festivals take similar steps toward sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly alternatives to plastic waste and making Mardi Gras celebrations something we can all feel proud of — not just for their beauty and joy, but also for their positive impact on the planet.

So next Mardi Gras, as the Krewe of Iris parades through the streets, reach out– you might just catch a real iris. They aren’t just a symbol of the celebration; they’re a symbol of a future where our festivals are as kind to the Earth as they are to our spirits.

We’ll continue to be a part of the solution — one iris at a time.

Let’s make your krewe a little greener! Get in touch:

📞 Call us: (504) 315-5607

📧 Email: info@kimstarrwise.com

💐 Let's design something beautiful – New Orleans style!