Rex to add sustainable throws to Mardi Gras parade
Rex riders will throw boxes of wildflower seeds in their parade on Mardi Gras Day, krewe leaders unveiled Tuesday at their countdown to the big day.
Why it matters: It's part of the trend of Mardi Gras krewes looking for ways to be more sustainable as they move away from basic plastic beads.
The big picture: The riders also will throw biodegradable glitter kits, sugar scrubs, gym towels, bagged coffee, reusable jute tote bags and metal cups.
Rex is known for throwing a medallion bead that's unique to each float, and it will continue to do that, krewe leaders told Axios on Tuesday.
Zoom in: The theme this year is La Belle Époque, which highlights "The Beautiful Era" in Paris in the late-1800s before World War 1.
The Royal Artists created the floats and designs, which feature French artists like Edgar Degas and Vincent Van Gogh.
Rex and other parading krewes are dedicating their parades this year to the 14 people who were killed in the New Year's Day terrorist attack. They will have remembrance signage attached to at least one of the floats.
Giving back: Rex's charitable organization, Pro Bono Publico Foundation, earlier this month awarded $1.2 million to New Orleans schools and educational organizations.
It's the 10th consecutive year they've donated more than $1 million.
Go deeper:
Other krewes that are going green
2025 Mardi Gras parade schedule
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