Transforming Mardi Gras: Our commitment to sustainable, plastic-free celebrations in New Orleans

May 30, 2024
Nandita's Corner

At Ma Oceans, we recently hosted a pivotal panel discussion aimed at reimagining Mardi Gras as a plastic-free festival. As a newcomer to New Orleans, I felt a strong responsibility to address the excessive single-use plastic waste that shadows this billion-dollar cultural extravaganza. Drawing on a decade of advocacy for plastic-free oceans in both India and the US, I was thrilled to unite local enterprises, nonprofits, and community groups to tackle the waste crisis at Mardi Gras.

The conversation highlighted that the problem of single-use plastics transcends environmental and oceanic pollution, posing serious health risks. Emerging research suggests plastics are infiltrating our bodies, potentially leading to a host of illnesses with far-reaching consequences.

Big Chief Shaka of the New Orleans Indigenous society shared insights into the year-long process of designing and sewing full-body mask suits, showcased during Mardi Gras, St. Joseph’s night, and Super Sunday. He emphasized that environmental respect is deeply woven into the city's indigenous and African heritage, viewing this initiative as a chance to merge tradition with environmental consciousness. Together with his wife Niamah, Chief Shaka is eager to craft their next mask as a symbol of support for our campaign.

Marcus Eriksen, co-founder and researcher at the 5 Gyres Institute, and a native of New Orleans, recounted his adventures on a raft along the Mississippi River, gathering data on plastic pollution. His focus on science-driven solutions is crucial for our goal to eradicate single-use plastics.

Brett Davis, founder of Grounds Krewe—a nonprofit dedicated to waste prevention and sustainability at local events—discussed the economic challenges posed by Mardi Gras krewes. As parades grow larger, their financial dependence on selling plastic throws to participants perpetuates a cycle of excessive consumption.

The musician Boyfriend, a prominent member of the Krewe of Freret, shared her success in persuading her krewe to eliminate plastic beads by 2025. Her pioneering efforts are setting a precedent for other krewes to reconsider their environmental impact.

Nathalie Jordi, co-founder of Hotel Peter and Paul, highlighted the educational potential of Mardi Gras, emphasizing how the festival can serve as a platform to enlighten both locals and tourists about environmental sustainability.

We are poised to transform one of our city’s most beloved traditions into a model of environmental stewardship. This vision can only be realized with the ongoing support and collaborative efforts of committed individuals. In pursuit of this, we have established a stewardship council dedicated to spearheading a campaign for a Mardi Gras free of plastic beads and throws.

Together, we can celebrate with consciousness and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable Mardi Gras.

Nandita Parker

Nandita Agarwal Parker is the founder, portfolio manager, and CEO of Karma Capital Management LLC and the founder of Asset Managers Roundtable of India (AMRI). Throughout her career it has always been a priority to champion the cause of gender balance in boardrooms and promote the presence of women in leadership positions in corporate India.

Parker has also always had a passion for the world’s oceans - whether that be through exploring, sailing, diving, you name it. Unfortunately this has put her in the position to witness the gradual and continuing degradation of coral reefs, extinction of marine species, and increasing plastic litter on even the most remote beaches firsthand.

In order to give back to the oceans that have created and sustained life on Earth for billions of years, she has committed to reversing these trends through the launch of Ma Oceans, a platform that will serve as a virtual community and social media platform to accelerate solutions for restoring the health of the oceans and address climate change.

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