The Krewe of Freret is saying "goodbye" to plastic beads.
The krewe announced on Tuesday that starting in 2025, it will not allow its members to throw beads during its parade. Krewe officials say it's part their goal to be more environmentally friendly and to promote sustainability. In a statement, Freret officials said more than 80 percent of their throws this year were sustainable, including wooden doubloons, hats, and tote bags.
For Mardi Gras Guide founder Arthur Hardy, this decision is not much of a surprise.
"They've been leaning in that direction for a couple of years," Hardy said. "People are less interested in cheap plastic throws. Everybody wants the good stuff now: logo merchandise, signature throws, you even have several krewes doing items float by float, which drives collectors nuts."
Hardy says Mardi Gras suppliers have been preparing for the shift.
"It's supply and demand," Hardy said. "All of these manufacturers and suppliers have realized that this movement has been coming and are adapting to it."
Despite this, you'll still see beads along the parade route in the future. Hardy says that's because they're cheaper to buy than other throws.
"It's still a cost factor," Hardy said. "If you have only $300 to spend on throws, would you rather throw 600 items or 20 over a five-mile parade route?"
