Biodegradable Mardi Gras beads help make Carnival season more sustainable
Phys.org
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Carnival season in New Orleans brings vibrant parades, music, and millions of colorful Mardi Gras beads. This year, a groundbreaking innovation is making the celebration more sustainable: biodegradable beads. These eco-friendly alternatives are decomposing quickly and safely, reducing the environmental impact of the countless beads that typically litter the streets and waterways after the festivities. This shift not only addresses a long-standing environmental issue but also highlights how science and technology can promote sustainability in everyday practices.
For decades, traditional Mardi Gras beads have been made from non-recyclable plastics, which often end up in landfills or pollute natural areas. The sheer volume of beads used—estimated to be millions each year—has created significant environmental challenges. Biodegradable beads, on the other hand, are designed to break down much faster, typically within a few months under proper conditions. This innovation is particularly important for New Orleans, where Carnival celebrations generate massive amounts of waste and have raised concerns about litter and pollution.
The new biodegradable beads are made from plant-based materials, such as cornstarch or polylactic acid (PLA), which naturally decompose when exposed to moisture and microbes. Unlike traditional plastic beads, these eco-friendly alternatives leave behind minimal
Verticals
sciencephysics
Originally published on Phys.org on 2/15/2026