Plantable Celebration Beads
LSU's 'Plant Me Beads' Sustainably Transform Mardi Gras Celebrations
Kanesa D — March 4, 2025
Researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU) have created biodegradable Mardi Gras beads filled with flower seeds, aiming to reduce waste while preserving the integrity of the cultural tradition. The project, created by Lauren Rogers and Alexis Strain, aims to make Mardi Gras more sustainable for future generations.
Led by biological sciences professor Naohiro Kato, the team initially developed algae-based beads in 2021, which decomposed within months. However, high production costs and waste concerns led them to explore more sustainable alternatives, resulting in this new eco-friendly design.
Using 3D printing techniques, the beads are fast-growing and attract bacteria to aid in plastic breakdown.
"We’re not in this to make a profit off it, we’re just trying to make Mardi Gras a little more sustainable,” said Lauren Rogers, biology senior at LSU.
