The Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association, Inc. (FMIA) Marigny Green Blog

Marigny Green News

Deborah Oppenheim — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:39:36 GMT

Marigny Green News Curbside Recycling Might be Trashed!

“A city of New Orleans initiative to expand residential recycling citywide might be dead in the water — despite the fact that the city has more than $5 million in financial backing from the Environmental Protection Agency and a national nonprofit”. Unfortunately, only half of the residents in the city have opt into the curbside recycling. A partnership between the NOLA Department of Sanitation and the Office of Resilience and Sustainability provides recycling carts to all single and small multi-family residences. New Orleans was awarded federal money in 2023 to expand the recycling initiative.

“The city was planning to purchase 83,000 recycling carts and educational materials from a contractor at a proposed maximum cost of $4.7 million with $3.3 million of that reimbursable by the EPA. The other $1.4 million would have been provided by matching funds from The Recycling Partnership. But a proposed contract, with supplier Rehrig Pacific Company, would need council approval to move forward.”

Julia Zuckerman, the legislative director for JP Morrell said, “Due to the City’s current budget constraints, we cannot afford to move forward on the EPA grant,” and “No matching funds can be allocated to this grant from the General Fund.”

As for the cost of collecting, expanded recycling will not affect the cost of servicing locations through sanitation contracts. According to the existing city trash and recycling contracts, waste haulers are currently paid to collect recycling based on all “eligible locations” in their service areas, rather than the actual number of households already opted into recycling.

There is a deadline and what happens if the city does not approve the grants and spends the money? Millions of dollars in federal funds will be forfeited.

New Orleans’ 2022 climate Action Plan developed a solid waste master plan to divert waste from landfills. It is noted the expansion of recycling has support from then John Bel Edward, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, U.S. Rep Troy Carter and other local economic and environmental organizations.

Mayor Helena Moreno in an interview on WWL-TV on February 11, 2026 suggested raising the city sanitation fee and/or eliminating curbside recycling to save the city approximately $12 million a year. Currently, there is no follow-up and/or no response on curbside recycling from Moreno, Morrell, EPA and Recycling Partnership.

What can you do? Encourage you, your neighbors and friends to engage in curbside recycling. Contact City Council and the Mayor to support curbside recycling. Curbside recycling is important because it promotes environmental sustainability and community health, curbside recycling is important for the following reasons:

Decreases greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal and manufacturing.
Reduces landfill waste by diverting recyclable materials from trash.
Saves energy in the production of new products from recycled materials.
Conserves natural resources by reusing materials instead of extracting new ones.

Resource: Resource: An article written by Katie Jane Fernelius (February 25, 2026) Verite News

Marigny Green News

Deborah Oppenheim — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 23:55:08 GMT

Can Mardi Gras go green this year? Unfortunately, all this fun also leads to an equal amount of rubbish. It's estimated that Mardi Gras creates around 1,000 tons of waste every year. In 2018, 93,000lb of plastic beads were found clogging up the city's sewer system, a dire situation in a city that lies partially below sea level and whose sewer systems are needed to keep the city dry. The city's Department of Sanitation does an almost miraculous job of cleaning the streets between parades, refuse still makes its way into the waterways in and around the city, posing a threat to both wildlife and people.

A coalition of grassroots organizations and individual "krewes", the local groups responsible for putting on the Mardi Gras parades, are attempting a transformation with the help of the city and some supportive sponsors. From massive recycling projects to biodegradable throws, New Orleans is doing its best to clean up its act.

The coalition of organizations, volunteers and sponsors that make up the Recycle Dat Initiative are working to help Mardi Gras, and the city of New Orleans, maintain both its traditions and the environment for years to come.

Started three years ago by Davis, Recycle Dat began as a handful of local volunteers with small recycling stations set up along the St Charles parade route, but has expanded exponentially since then, offering an alternative to the efficient, but less meticulous clean up done by the Department of Sanitation, which sends everything they capture to the landfill. Now with a new larger, more visible set up, they expect those numbers to be even larger. This year, the program launched Recycle World, an interactive recycling station on St Charles and Louisiana Avenues where festival goers can drop off their unwanted throws and rubbish, volunteer to help sort cans, bottles and throws for recycling. Grounds Krewe are also instrumental in making sure alternatives to plastic beads are available to krewes during the season. The organization offers a variety of sustainable throws, including jambalaya mix, soap and biodegradable glitter, to name just a few – all of which can be individually branded according to the krewe's themes.

The Krewe of Freret, the first Mardi Gras parade to completely outlaw plastic throws, is ready to roll, kicking off a party that is both one of the most beloved and one of the most environmentally damaging festivals in New Orleans. The movement is gaining momentum and other Krewes such as Krewe of Muses, Krewe of Iris and Krewe of Rex have sustainable throws.

Green or not, no one wants to see the end of Mardi Gras throws. There is a widespread interest in creative sustainable throws from glass beads, local art, food, books and useful items. Start thinking," Throw me something sustainable" and Happy Mardi Gras ,

Resources: Lynn Brown- BBC, Matt Bloom

Less Litter for Mardi Gras 2025

Deborah Oppenheim — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 19:59:23 GMT

Marigny Green News

The official Mardi Gras season in New Orleans began on January 6 (Twelfth Night) and will have parades in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras Day, March 4, 2025. The krewes of these parades throw approximately twenty-five million pounds of plastic beads to the spectators. These plastic Mardi Gras beads are toxic have become solid waste, clogging storms drains, littering the streets and polluting local rivers and the Gulf of Mexico.

A New Orleans grassroots organization founded in 2011 by residents called Verdi Gras’ goal is to reduce Mardi Gras’ waste pollution(www.verdigras.org). “Their mission is an organization dedicated to preserving Louisiana culture through the conservation of our local resources and strive for a greener and cleaner Mardi Gras”

Some parades Krewes started looking for more creative options for Mardi Gras throws. In 2018, Brett Davis formed the non-profit Ground Krewe a 501c (3) mission is “Driven to provide throws that are the most sustainable, non-toxic and fairly made possible without commercial branding and advertising.” Grounds Krewe has a catalog (https://www.groundskrewe.org/throw-catalo) of sustainable throws and some examples are small bags of red bean, jambalaya mix, recycle pencils, toothbrush sets and recycled plastic cups.

Hopefully, this year you will be catching non-toxic, biodegradable throws. As they say, “they still glitter, cause less litter and contain non flame retardants.”

Side Note: If you do catch plastic Mardi Gras beads, do not allow children or adults to put them in their mouths, and always wash hands after touching. Consider bringing baby wipes to parades to wipe children's hands after catching and playing with beads and before eating according to https://www.ecocenter.org/mardi-gras-beads-toxic-legacyide

Christmas Tree Recycle

Deborah Oppenheim — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 22:28:59 GMT

It is the season to be jolly, eat, have fun and recycle your Christmas tree. Keep your up till the beginning of January so you can recycle your Christmas tree for wetlands restoration. The National Christmas Tree Association estimates that the United States sells between 25 and 30 million real Christmas trees each year. The good news is that 93% of the consumers who have real Christmas trees recycle them in some type of community program

Louisiana for the past 25 years has been losing wetlands at an alarming rate of 16.57 square miles a year. With the loss of funding from the state's budget in 1991, the program has been continued by some parishes on their own dime. The City of New Orleans’ office of Resilience and Sustainability funds the city’s Christmas Tree recycling Program. The program is a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Louisiana Army national Guard. This program recycles the trees and educates the public of the plight of our wetlands and their importance. The construction of a Christmas barrier helps limit the impact of wave action and prevent erosion. Branches and leaves of trees help keep sediment in place like sea oats on beaches.

For over twenty-five years, the New Orleans Christmas Tree Recycling Program has contributed to the restoration of Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge. Besides protecting the wetlands these trees are kept out of the landfill. Samantha Carter, Outreach Manager, Gulf Program, National Wildlife Federation stated, this is a great way for communities to get involved in restoring the coast while protecting and restoring our natural resources and defenses.

To Volunteer

Volunteers, 18 years or older are needed to put trees along the coastal areas
It is recommended that you wear layered clothing, long pants, closed-toe sturdy shoes, hats, sunscreen, and gloves.
Dates of pick-up will be scheduled closer to the holidays and broadcast on television, on the internet and in the local newspaper. Trees must be natural and striped of all ornaments, tinsel, light and tree stand.

Contact 504-658-4071 for additional information

Happy Holidays,

Marigny Green

Resource: https://nola.gov/next/resilience-sustainability/programs/christmas-tree-recycling/

Beautification of Neutral Ground at Elysian Fields and Royal

Kip Hollar — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 15:29:26 GMT

You can hear the music at this wonderful Mardi Gras art box by Linda LeBoeuf. This box was created thanks to funding from the Faubourg Marigny Neighborhood Association.

We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of FMIA Parks and Parkways Committee Chair, Phillip Lege, for organizing this project and seeing it through to fruition. Thank you, Phillip!

Mardi Gras is over and what to do with unwanted beads and throws

Deborah Oppenheim — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 23:30:31 GMT

Marigny Green News

What to do with Mardi Gras Beads and Throws

Mardi Gras is over and you want to discard your beads and throws and instead of putting them in the closet and forgetting them, why not recycling!

Stuffed Animals

All those stuffed animals you just caught in the past 2 weeks are now piled in your corner. The ones with krewe names and dates are very hard to re-sell. Consider dropping them off at a local pet shelter. A homeless pup would love a little something to snuggle with.

Another suggestion: find a local women’s and children’s shelter that can use them.

ArcGNO will always take them off your hands too.

Mardi Gras Cups

Caught more cups than you need? Well, don’t throw them into your recycling bin. They won’t be recycled – they will only be sorted and then sent to a landfill. Here’s our suggestions: donate them to ArcGNO or find a local art studio that needs them! Lots of artists use the cups for their paint brushes.

Mardi Gras Beads

If you’re real crafty, you can upcycle the beads into future costumes and wreaths. If crafting isn’t your game, then you need to donate them to ArcGNO. ArcGNO takes your unwanted Mardi Gras throws and turns them into jobs. They employ people with intellectual disabilities to sort through, repackage, and resell your discarded throws. With locations ALL over the metro area, there is no reason you can’t drop them off.

Here is a list of all their drop off sites: (Check to see if these sites are still available)

Metairie Community Center – 925 Labarre Rd, Metairie, LA 70001
Uptown Community Center – 1771 Nashville Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Chalmette Community Center – 3700 Jean Lafitte Pkwy., Chalmette
Northshore Community Center – 106 East 25th Ave, Covington, LA 70433

Uptown

Audubon Zoo – 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Touro Synagogue – 4238 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Loyola University at Biever Hall and Carrollton Hall – 6363 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
Whole Foods – 5600 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
ArcGNO Uptown Community Center – 1771 Nashville Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Latter Branch Public Library – 5120 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center – 4300 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125
Children’s Resource Center Library – 913 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

New Orleans East

East New Orleans Public Library – 5641 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center – 11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
Magnolia Physical Therapy – 2372 St. Claude Ave, Ste 104 New Orleans, LA 70117
The Green Project – 7243, 2831 Marais St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Alvar Library – 913 Alvar St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Mid-City

Norman Mayer Library – 3001 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122

Metairie

Rouses – 2701 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70001
Jefferson Parish Library – East Bank Regional Library – 4747 West Napoleon Ave. Metairie, LA 70001
Lafreniere Park – Near the Carousel – 3000 Downs Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003
ArcGNO Metairie Community Center – 925 Labarre Rd, Metairie, LA 70001

Lakeview

Robert E. Smith Public Library – 6301 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124

Westbank

Jefferson Parish Library – West Bank Regional Library – 2751 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey, LA 70058
ArcGNO Westwego Community Center – 333 Sala Ave, Westwego, LA 70094
Algiers Regional Library – 3014 Holiday Dr, New Orleans, LA 70131
Cita Dennis Hubbell Branch Library – 725 Pelican Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114

Reference: POSTED BY LESLIE HEINDEL

Be a good New Orleanian and don’t throw them in the trash!

Mardi Gras Recycling

Deborah Oppenheim — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:39:23 GMT

It's the season to have a good time which means lots of street activities. This year on the parade route Glass Half Full and Glassroots are partnering with the City and a number of of local non-profits to make Mardi Grass more eco-friendly. During the first and second weekend of Mardi Gras (February 11th & 12th and February 18th & 19th), we will be providing recycling for glass, bead and aluminum cans.

The Hub locations are:

Sacred Heart Academy – St. Charles Ave & Napoleon Ave

New Orleans & Company – St. Charles Ave & Josephine St

Greater New Orleans Foundation – St. Charles Ave & Harmony Circle

Gallier Hall – St. Charles Ave & Lafayette St

You’re welcome to come recycle your glass, beads, and cans at these hubs from 10 am to 4 pm.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS :PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR HOLIDAY TREE

Deborah Oppenheim — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 17:48:00 GMT

Recycling your holiday tree help the Louisiana's coastline. For information go to @nolareadyandresilient-nola

Parks and Parkways will Host NOLA Tree Project November 12, 2022

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 23:33:13 GMT

Saturday, November 12, 2022 8:30- 12pm

Department of Parks and Parkways

1 Green Parade Lane NOLA 70122

The Big TREEsy giveaways are for Orleans Parish residents only, one free tree per household and Orleans Parish photo ID is required. There are a lot of trees available and for more information go to @nolatreeprojects.org

Tree Information

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 23:29:54 GMT

There are a total of 352 district species of trees in New Orleans.
The five most common species found in NOLA are crape myrtle, southern live oak, bald cypress, hybrid holly and slash pine.
Trees provide approximately $6,579,933 in annual environmental benefits to NOLA.
Trees contribute to energy conservation by providing shade that reduces cooling costs in the summer and diverting wind to reduce healing costs in the winter. The inventoried public tree population accounts for a savings of $ 1,312,038 in energy consumption each year.

Resource: Information from “City of New Orleans Department of Parks & Parkways: Tree Inventory Summary. Report-complete Inventory August 20, 2019. “Visit www.nola.gov/parks-and-parkways/trees/to learn more.

Native Plant initiative of Greater New Orleans Calendar for Sept/Oct

Deborah Oppenheim — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 22:20:06 GMT

Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans

https://www.npi-gno.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEP20 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

NOCP Zoom Presentation By Jennifer Prout: The design and planting of the Prairie Garden on the Big Lake native Plant Trail

OCT 1 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Native Plant Giveaway! University of New Orleans

OCT 8

October 8 @ 8:00 am - October 9 @ 5:00 pm

Fall Garden Festival at City Park

OCT 15 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Native Plant Giveaway – River Ridge

OCT 29 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

UNO Urban Bird Trail – Woodlot Maintenance

Native Plants Tips and Resources

Deborah Oppenheim — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 22:17:24 GMT

Marigny Green News

Fall is a great time to plant some native plants. Fall is the perfect opportunity to plant more native plants. This is because the soil and temperatures of Fall bring good conditions for root establishment plus it is greater weed suppression. Planting in the fall also gives you a jump on the Spring garden.

Tips and Resources:

1. Best time to plant is September through the end of October unless the temperatures are too hot. Getting the plugs/seeds too late will not allow them to root.
2. If you are planting in the ground, choose an area that you want to grow the native plants. Select plants that are appropriate for the space, the proper light, soil, moisture and height.
3. Once your site is chosen, you must prepare the space. Most native plants prefer well-drained soil. For best results check with native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans https://www.npi-gno.org/resources/.
4. Local Native Plant Sources
Chickadee Natives - Delivery Only
Harold's Plants, 1135 Press Street, NOLA
Jefferson Feed, 4421 Jefferson Hwy, Old Jefferson
Pelican Greenhouse , New Orleans City Park, NOLA
NOLA Bug Lady, 2009 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan
Rose Garden Center, Marrero
Mail Order: https://www.mailordernatives.com
Native Seed Sources:

Coastal Prairie Farms, ULL Ecology Center
Ernst Seeds
Florida Wildflower Cooperative
Louisiana Native Seed
Mossy Oak Native Nurseries
Native American Seed
Prairie Moon Nursery
Roundstone Native Seed
Select Seeds
Swallowtail Garden Seeds

Reference: Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans 2022

Upcycle/Recycle

Deborah Oppenheim — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 16:40:58 GMT

Marigny Green News

June is Upcycle/Recycle month, a made-up phrase according to Carol of Creative Domestication on her FaceBook page. Her philosophy is to reuse as much as we can rather than fill up the landfills. Below are several items that can be repurposed.

1. Yogurt/applesauce cups with lids: Great for mixing paints, started seed containers or snack cups.
2. Chop Sticks: When I order Asian food, the restaurant always gives a handful of chopsticks and useful for paint stirrers, stakes for plants and cake testers.
3. T-shirts: Cut old or stained T-shirt into strips to tie up plants, clean windows and dusters.
4. Shower curtains: Clean the dirty shower curtain with vinegar to get rid of the soap residue before repurposing. Useful for putting weeds or leaves on, protection for the table when painting or doing crafts and under a tub for cleaning an animal.

Eventually these items will get recycled but they can have a second life and get some effective use out of them. It is a win/win situation.

Take this Recycle Quizz

Deborah Oppenheim — Thu, 26 May 2022 15:47:00 GMT

Marigny Green News

Answers to the Recycling Quiz

#1. How many tons of cardboard and paper are thrown away each year in the United States?

A. 650 Million tons.

B. 250 Million tons.

C. 850 Million tons. ✅

D. 50 Million tons.

#2. What percentage of products shipped in the U.S. are shipped in corrugated boxes?

A. 90% ✅

B. 25%

C. 75%

D. 62%

#3. Can you recycle aluminum cans?

A. Yes ✅

B. No

#4. Are Wine Bottles Recyclable?

A. Yes ✅

B. No

#5. You’ve been clothes shopping. Can you recycle those shopping bags?

A. Yes ✅

B. No

#6. Should soft plastic bags such as bread bags, wrapping and other scrunchable plastics go in the yellow bin?

A. Yes

B. No ✅

#7. What Goes Into The Green Bin?

A. Food and Garden Waste ✅

B. Steel Waste

C. Metal Waste

D. Plastic Waste

#8. Which of the Following Can Be Recycled?

A. Plastic Bottles and Paper Bag ✅

B. Food

C. Video Tapes

D. Ceramics

#9. Which of the following is sometimes recycled into fibers for carpets or clothing?

A. Plastic Bottles ✅

B. Computers

C. Aluminum Cans

D. All the above

#10. Gold is sometimes recovered from recycling which of the following materials?

A. Paper

B. Aluminum Cans

C. Computers ✅

D. All the above

#11. What is a benefit of recycling?

A. Fewer Resources are Taken from Earth

B. Less Pollution

C. There’s Less Trash Filling Up Landfills

D. All the above ✅

#12. According to the EPA, the average person generates this amount of waste per day.

A. 1.2 Pounds

B. 4.40 Pounds ✅

C. 3.8 Pounds

D. 10 Pounds

#13. In 2017, Which Country Banned Imports of “Foreign Garbage”?

A. Germany

B. China ✅

C. Australia

D. Japan

#14. What Does MRF Stand for in Relation to Recycling?

A. Motorcycle Riders Foundation

B. Materials Research Foundation

C. Materials Recovery Facility ✅

D. None of the above

#15. How Many Trees are Saved from Recycling 1 Ton of Paper?

A. Between 1-2 Trees

B. Between 15-17 Trees ✅

C. Between 7-8 Trees

D. Between 10-12 Trees

Reference: March 11,2022 by Kieron

French Quarter Festival - Geaux Green

Deborah Oppenheim — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 23:41:14 GMT

Marigny Green News

French Quarter Fest “Geauxing Green”

French Quarter Festival returns tomorrow. It is known for the all the food and beverage choices besides an incredible line-up of music. This year the four-day festival has focused on a new program called “Geauxing Green” to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the waterways. Geauxing Green is through a partnership with the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program.

The festival vendors are using reusable, recyclable and compostable food and drink container and utensils. According to Kenneth Spears, the food and beverage director the good of the French Quarter Festivals Inc. is to reduce their waste footprint by 80%. The vendors will use dishes that are made of fiber or compostable paper. Utensils are made from sugar cane and bamboo. All the cups are made with recyclable plastic. The beverage booths will not offer straws. There are two exceptions, New Orleans Original Daiquiris and Pat O’Brien’s booths will have recyclable straws. According to Spears the event will have various sorting stations around the grounds for each “stream” of recycling and compositing. There will be a crew of volunteers, called the Green Team will be available to assist the festivalgoers. It is up to the public to dispose their dishes and beverages in the correct containers. Glass Half Full, New Orleans local glass recycling program is a partner to recycle wine and liquor bottles for the French Quarter Festival.

Enjoy the French Quarter Festival and recycle, reuse and compost!

TURN BEADS INTO JOBS!

Deborah Oppenheim — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:42:37 GMT

Marigny Green News

Remember the song, “They All Ask For You” by the Meters? The ARC of Greater New Orleans is asking you to recycle your Mardi Gras Beads. They are many drop-off places in the New Orleans metro area (see below).

“ArcGNO is a grass roots non-profit organization founded in 1953 and dedicated to promoting the independence and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities. We currently assist nearly 600 individuals in the five-parish metro New Orleans region. Our support services include in-home assistance, job coaching and placement, daytime community integration, and coordination of infant care and therapies. Central to our mission are social enterprises that provide work and real incomes to individuals who might otherwise be unemployed. The Mardi Gras Recycle Center is one of these enterprises. It funds over 80 market-wage year-round jobs while at the same time making Carnival a little eco-friendlier.” more about ArcGNO at

COMMUNITY DROP-OFF SITES

Jefferson Parish Sanitation (Westbank)

6440 Lapalco Blvd, Marrero

Jefferson Parish Sanitation Department
400 David Dr., Metairie

New Orleans Sanitation Department
2828 Elysian Fields

ArcGNO

DROP-OFF SITES

ArcGNO Metairie Community Center
925 Labarre Rd, Metairie

ArcGNO Uptown Community Center
1771 Nashville Ave, New Orleans

ArcGNO Chalmette Community Center
3700 Jean Lafitte Pkwy., Chalmette

ArcGNO Northshore Community Center
106 E 25th Ave, Covington

For more information to donate and/or volunteer please contact www.arcgno.org

Mardi Gras 2022

Deborah Oppenheim — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 22:58:54 GMT

Marigny Green News

Where Do All the Mardi Gras Plastic Beads Go?

Mardi Gras lasts two weeks and thousands of tourists and locals attend the growing number of parades. Each Krewe has their own “throws” and more and more are being lobbed to the enthusiastic viewers.

It appears during Mardi Gras that spectators are more interested in screaming, “Throw me something” and struggling to catch the strands of plastic beads and other trinkets than looking at the incredible crafted floats. The best beads are being worn merrily by the festival goers and many more beads are daggling from the trees, wrapped on electric lines and hanging on streetlights.

Every year over 20 million pounds of plastic beads are being shipped to the U.S. primarily from China and the largest percent of them goes to Louisiana. With the overwhelming amount of trash generated from these parades, there is no citywide recycling program. However, many citizens and organizations are committed to not having all the plastic go to the landfill.

What to Do With Your Unwanted Beads?

Arc of Greater New Orleans (ArcGNO) is a non-profit organization for people with intellectual disabilities. These individuals have jobs in a sheltered workshop to select, sort and re-pack Mardi Gras beads. For over 30years, ArcGNO sells the beads and trinkets to Mardi Gras Krewes and individuals. The profits from the sales goes back into the non-profit. ArcGNO runs several other businesses and employs over 80 adults. ArcGNO has a main warehouse in Metairie and is filled with employees and volunteers listening to music and helping sort through the pounds of beads.

ArcGNO has partnered with organizations and businesses to have drop off boxes to collect the unwanted beads and other Mardi Gras throws. The drop boxes are semi-permanent so call ArcGNO (504.324.1919 ) after this season to see the updated list of drop-of spots. Some local businesses have annual drives and gives incentives to their customers for donating their beads. Even schools in New Orleans are competing to donate the most beads with a monetary reward from ArcGNO. I was pleased to learn that there is a Fair-Trade section at ArcGNO selling items such as cloth Frisbees, fabric boas from Guatemala and paper beads from Uganda. The cost is more but the quality is better and not plastic.

The use of plastic beads has become an on-going conversation for many members of various Mardi Gras Krewes. Some Krewes have a designated float to throw back ‘your beads’ and other Krewes are using helpful throws such as flashlights, bottle openers and glass beads.

ArcGNO is just one organization in New Orleans that recycles beads/trinkets. There is a need for so many more recycling programs. As citizens, we need to encourage and challenge our city leaders to invest in citywide recycling of Mardi Gras beads/ throws to reduce the number of plastics that goes to the landfill.

ArcGNO summarized it perfectly to the Mardi Gras riders, “throw smarter and less and for everyone to recycle their beads and trinkets.”

Happy Mardi Gras

HOUSEHOLD ENERGY TIPS

Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:38:49 GMT

SAVE ENERGY

You can be effective in your household regarding energy efficiency. Our monthly bills are associated with the cost on how much energy is used. How can you help with energy waste while maintaining personal comfort to your home? These are a few suggestions to save energy in your home.

LED’s

A simple, low-cost way to cut energy use is upgrading your lighting to LED’s. To change bulbs over time, prioritize the lights you use the most. There are many LED options available. It is important to read the packaging in Kevin for the color temperature. It is recommended to use ENTERGY STAR®-rated products.

Colors:

While LED lamps are available in bright (like lighting in a retails store), soft, warm white are closer to the typical lights in one’s home. LED lights can also have an array of colors (Christmas lights and LED bulbs that change color) and assorted color strips.

Comparing LED bulb to an incandescent bulb in terms of wattage (always read the packaging and pay close attention to the pin sockets as there are several types):

LED 25-28 = 150 W incandescent

16-20 = 100 W incandescent

9 – 13 = 75 W incandescent

8 – 12 = 60 W incandescent

6 - 9 = 40 W incandescent

REPLACE FILTERS

A dirty filter can cause heating and air-conditioning system to use 15% more energy (U.S. Department of Energy - DOE). Half of your energy use is by heating and air conditioning. It is important to check the filters regularly and replace it when they are dirty. It is a habit that can reduce energy waste.

THERMOSTAT

Adjusting your thermostat in your home can save year-round on heating and cooling costs. The DOE recommends setting the thermostat to 68 degrees when you are home in the winter. DOE also suggests that dialing back the thermostat when you leave the house or go to sleep. It is recommended in the summer to set the thermostat at 78 degrees when you are at home and dialing it back when you are away.

QUICK TIPS

Wash your clothes in cold water
Use natural light when possible.
Do not leave your electronics on all day.
The refrigerator and freezer operate more efficiently when full.
Turn off heated dry on the dishwasher and use air dry instead
Resources:
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) www.energy.gov
Entergy www.directenergy.com

Turn Off The Tap

Deborah Oppenheim — Tue, 25 May 2021 15:11:27 GMT

There are many ways to save water in your home. It is simple and requires a change of habit. Do you run the tap while brushing your teeth? Try turning of the tap when brushing your teeth is an excellent way of saving money on your water bill.

NOLA Recycling Drop-Off Center 2829 Elysian Fields Ave. 2nd/4th Saturday Monthly

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 17 May 2021 15:13:53 GMT

Items accepted at the City of New Orleans Recycling Drop-Off Center

Plastics #1 and #2

Newspaper, junk mail, phone books, catalogs, office paper

Corrugated cardboard, Small aluminum/steel cans, E-Waste, Batteries, Television,

Tires, Light bulbs, Mardi Gras beads

For more information @resilient_nola#nolarecycles

Can't Trade Your Electronics In, Recycle It!

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 10 May 2021 16:19:27 GMT

Best Buy is committed to lighten up the landfills by their recycle program. Best Buy reported, "They have collected over 2 billion pounds of e-waste and appliances making them the nation's largest retail collector of e-waste."

Think about trading in your old tech to Best Buy . Check out their website, https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/best-buy-trade-in/ . There is a trade-in estimator to see what your item is worth. In turn, you will receive a Best Buy Gift Card. Best Buy partners with a trusted recycle partner (ERI) to wipe any remaining data from devices to repair and/or repurpose.

May the 4th Be With You

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 03 May 2021 19:12:47 GMT

Maybe this idea started with the first Star War movie or maybe someone just decided to make it the Star War Day, May be Fourth Be With You. In New Orleans, it is Give NOLA Day. This 24hour event is hosted by the Greater New Orleans Foundation to inspire people to give to nonprofits in our area. Whatever your charity and/or nonprofit is, please give whatever you can offer. Any amount will be appreciated. To find a list of the nonprofits go to https://www.givenola.org/nonprofits?_rs=1140502824

PS FMIA is a non-profit and would welcome donations.

Bring Your Reusable Bags

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 20:44:48 GMT

One of the easiest thing we can do is to bring your own bag(s)to the grocery store. The positive impact of skipping plastic bags is huge. American use 100 billion plastic bags a year which require 12 million barrels of oil to manufacture. The average American family takes home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags a year. Plastic bags are used for an average of every 12 minutes.

THINK about this! It takes 500 or more years for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill. If someone shops from 18 years old until they are 88 years old, they will save 350,000 bags. It is never too late to start brining your reusable bags to the grocery store and you are helping our environment.

https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/plastic_bag_facts.html#:

EARTH DAY GREEN OPENING for VINTAGE GREEN REVIEW

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:49:04 GMT

Vintage Green Review is a plastic free, package free, zero waste supplies and re-fill bar. Definitely check it out for their grand opening on Earth Day, April 22nd through April 25th with extended hours from 10am 6pm at 3530 Magazine Street across from Ace Hardware. Every day through the weekend will be different deals. There will be product discounts and opportunities to meet some of the local makers of the sustainable products. Porch Pop-up with local food vendors will sell delicious treats. Bring your own containers to take them to go!

Check out their Instagram and Facebook page at #vintagegreenreview for details.

Don't forget to bring your totes and refillable containers.

LSU AgCenter

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 19:18:46 GMT

The LSU AgCenter is a wealth of information. LSU AgCenter can give the consumer answers for their garden, family or home. The website www.lsuagcenter.com has detailed information on the top ribbon. Check out the category Topics. Some of the topics include Environment & Natural Resource, Lawn & Garden, Food & Health and so much more. Publications is another excellent resource. Publications are an important way to get research-based education material to the public. Most of the publications are available online. There is a listing of publications by looking at their catalog. The News & Events category produces news release for print, radio, television and social media.

I could write more but instead I recommend going to LSU AgCenter website. You won't be disappointed.

Need Your Garden to Pop?

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:18:57 GMT

Need your garden to pop; it is important to use compost with the soil. Schmelly's Dirt Farm is an organic recycling company that produces high-quality compost and soil products for the farmers and gardeners of Greater New Orleans. Schmelly's will be selling supernatural soil products at the Mid-City Farmers Market on Thursday from 3 - 7pm at the Lafitte Greenway. There are other places you can also buy bulk and bagged supernatural soil products this spring. Delta Flora located at 2710 Touro Street open on Saturday 9-4 and Wednesday 2-6. Hot plants is located in the Upper 9th Ward at 1715 Feliciana Street, open Saturday and Sunday 12-4pm. For details, follow Schmelly's on social media or www.schmellys.com

Ideas for Easter Basket Alternatives for Adults

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 15:15:31 GMT

Don't fret if you don't have a traditional Easter Basket this year. There are many fun items that can be used instead of the traditional Easter basket and some ideas are:

1. Beach towel 2.Rain boots 3. Beer carton 4. Baseball cap 5. Umbrella

Create your own idea and fill it with interesting gifts and goodies.

Enjoy

40 Arpent Wetlands Observatory

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 20:01:59 GMT

40 Arpent Wetlands Observatory is very close to the Marigny in Chalmette, LA. There is a boathouse with a lagoon providing access to the 40 Arpent Canal and great for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, fishing and yoga. There is a pedestrian bridge to the dock for viewing nature and bird watching .

Where: 8201 Benjamin St. Chalmette, LA 70043

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:00pm

More Information: 504-278-4200

Stormwater Revisited

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 16:17:41 GMT

Read the great Marigny Green News article in the FMIA Newsletter why it is important to keep your catch basin cleaned.

The mantra is: Only rain down the drain!

Glass Recycling Update

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 18:59:31 GMT

Glass Half Full has residential pick up. Glass Half Full converts the glass into sand for our coasts and for disaster relief. For information go to glasshalffullnola.org/residents.

Don't forget there is free glass drop off at 3935 Louisa Street Monday and Wednesday 9am - 5:30 pm and Saturday 9am -4:00pm.

Directions: Really easy - take Franklin Ave to Louisa Street, turn right 1/2 block and make a U Turn and you are there! The building is blue and you will see the bins.

Vintage Green Review

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 22:07:54 GMT

Vintage Green Review is a zero-waste supplies + {Re}Fill Bar. Their goal is to reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill. Vintage Green Review(VGR) believes that the "lowest possible impact you can have on the environment is to buy items secondhand if possible before choosing new products made of those materials." VGR has curated secondhand and vintage zero waste products. VGR items are locally sourced. New items that are sold have details how and where they were made. "Vintage Green Review helps you live a vibrant, low waste lifestyle with vintage-inspired solutions that make sustainability fun and interesting. We research & review time-tested ideas from history to help you reduce waste, and we sell eco-friendly products inspired by life before plastic."

Vintage Green Review is having a March Pilot Pop Up located at 3530 Magazine Street across from Ace Hardware or you can shop on line with local pickup or zero-waste shipping. Check out their website site for details of products and hours www.vintagegreenreview.com

WHAT CAN YOU RECYCLE CURBSIDE in NOLA?

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 20:41:46 GMT

NEW ORLEANSRECYCLES CURBSIDE

PLASTIC # 1 and #2
CARDBOX-SHOEBOXES, PAPER EGG CARTONS, DRINK CARTONS, CORRUGATED AND PAPERBOARD BOXES!
JUNK MAIL! COUPONS! GIFT WRAP! ENVELOPES!
PAPER BAGS! CATALOGS! MAGAZINES! NEWSPAPERS! PHONEBOOKS!
SMALL, EMPTY, AND RINSED ALUMINUM AND STEEL CANS!
CEREAL AND CRACKER BOXES! - RINSE AND REMOVE LINERS

THANK YOU FOR RESPONSIBLY RECYCLING

BIG THANK YOU

Deborah Oppenheim — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:35:51 GMT

Resilient NOLA wants to thank everyone who took the time to carefully un-decorate their tree and set it out for collection! There were 59 truckloads of Christmas trees used for coastal restoration. It is a 37% increase from last year. A special thanks was given to their Sanitation workers.

Marigny Green

Idea to Recycle Mardi Gras Beans

Deborah Oppenheim — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 00:08:33 GMT

Mardi Gras parades are canceled this year. This does not stop locals from having Stay-at-Home Mardi Gras. Many residents are decorating their homes as house floats. Don't forget to use old Mardi Gras beans and throws!

Marigny Green

Glass Recycle

Deborah Oppenheim — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:24:46 GMT

Glass Half Full is taking glass from residents of the New Orleans Area. It is an easy to get to their warehouse at 3935 Louisa Street. The hours are Monday and Wednesday, 9:00- 5:30 and Saturday 9:00 - 4:00.

Glass Half Full collects and sorts used glass from residents of New Orleans. The glass is converted it into beach-like sand and glass cullet that can be used for disaster relief, eco-construction, coastal restoration, and glass products. Their vision is to divert 100,000 pounds of glass from NOLA landfills.

For more information go to www.glasshalffullnola.org