LSU biological science students are working to make Mardi Gras beads more environmentally friendly, tackling the waste that the celebration creates across Louisiana each year.

LSU Professor Naohiro Kato has been developing biodegradable beads for Mardi Gras parades since 2021, though the idea first came to him in 2013.

These innovative beads are made from microscopic algae, which is processed into a powder and used to create eco-friendly products. The beads also contain sunflower seeds, allowing plants to grow while bacteria from the plants help degrade the beads into soil.

Although the product has been successful, Kato says more cooperation is needed to make biodegradable beads the standard and reduce waste during Mardi Gras.

“What one does is encourage people to make their own Mardi Gras beads using their materials,” Kato said. “And also, we try to work on 3D print farms. So, by putting out a lot of machines, we can produce enough for Mardi Gras krewes to throw. But to do so, we have to collaborate with many different institutes.”

Students interested in joining this effort can contact Professor Kato at [email protected].