Latest news with #RecycleDat!
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Coca-Cola shakes up Mardi Gras with bold new initiative during parades: 'Stepping up to the plate'
Mardi Gras is famous for its dazzling parades, vibrant celebration of culture, and — unfortunately — large amounts of waste left behind each year. In New Orleans, where Mardi Gras celebrations take place annually, nearly 2.5 million pounds of trash is collected after the festivities, according to a report from the city. But in 2025, Coca-Cola teamed up with Recycle Dat! — a new project from New Orleans devoted to sustainability during the Mardi Gras celebration — in a project they called "Recycle World." By installing an interactive recycling station along the parade route, the aim was to host a cleaner Mardi Gras for everyone. The event featured a display of how different types of waste — especially cans, glass, and beads — are recycled and redirected from landfills. A mosaic also highlighted the benefits of sustainability. With millions flooding the streets each year during the celebration, this initiative was a vital first step in countering a major issue that has affected the city for years while offering a way to celebrate sustainability during the holiday. This is not Coca-Cola's first effort to improve sustainability either. After coming under fire earlier this year for U-turning on a plastic reduction pledge, the company is making more moves toward reaffirming its commitment to sustainability in its packaging and marketing. For consumers, supporting eco-friendly initiatives by mainstream brands can let these companies know that there is money to be made while being kinder to the planet. "The city stepping up to the plate is huge, and I think it says a lot about their commitment to the conversation," one local nonprofit director in New Orleans told Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to recycle old clothes and electronics? Giving me money back Letting me trade for new stuff Making it as easy as possible Keeping my stuff out of landfills Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Anna Nguyen, the external affairs manager for New Orleans' Office of Resilience & Sustainability, told the publication, "We want to make this an accessible, everyday practice for everyone." "That is awesome! I love that it's simple enough that kids could help too!" said a commenter on a Recycle Dat! Instagram post. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Orleans officials announce Mardi Gras safety preparations
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Officials with the City of New Orleans have announced safety preparations ahead of Mardi Gras 2025. Because Mardi Gras 2025 is now federally listed as SEAR 1 status, special attention is being given to New Orleans by the government in the form of activation, coordination and prioritization of federal resources and personnel. This additional help will run from Feb. 21 to March 4. Krewe of Barkus' royalty assembled for annual luncheon ahead of parade roll An ordinance will enforce no placement of items on the public neutral ground along the parade route more than four hours from the start of the parade. In addition to that ordinance, the New Orleans Police Department will enforce bans on the following items: Ladders taller than six feet. Enclosures. Open flames. Gas or diesel generators. Upholstered furniture. Portable toilets. Scaffolding. Confetti guns. Mylar balloons. Unattended coolers. The NOPD will have 600 officers dedicated to Mardi Gras, and will be supported by the Louisiana State Police, who are providing 150 troopers, the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office and other state and federal safety partners. Over 100 officers will be in plainclothes. Road closures will occur in the French Quarter as well, employing various barriers to prevent potential threats. 11 different federal agencies will also be providing support with teams specializing in explosives, intelligence and field operations. Those who live and work in the area will be allowed in after verification. Mardi Gras First Aid Stations will be provided by the New Orleans Health Department, and will be staffed by several healthcare organizations and volunteers. Additionally, LCMC Health will provide private, individual nursing tents at First Aid Stations so that mothers to feed their babies away from the crowds. Bags with sensory items will also be available for those who could use them to remain calm in high-stimulus environments. Mardi Gras krewe rises from the ashes Uptown Saturday night There will be no trash or recycling collection outside of the French Quarter and Downtown Development District on Mardi Gras day, and collections will be delayed by one day through Saturday, March 8. On Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2, however, 'Recycle Dat!' will have 8 recycling stations along parade routes, where parade-goers can drop off beads, cans, plastic bottles and glass. If you drop off full bags of cans, bottles or throws, you could win prizes as part of a sweepstakes. Tentatively starting on Feb. 27, streetcar services will be suspended through Mardi Gras day, although other forms of public transit are planned to alter their schedules to accommodate the crowd, such as a second ferry being deployed on parade days, with extended operating DeRitter previews Saturday's Division I soccer state title bout between St. Paul's and Catholic New Orleans officials announce Mardi Gras safety preparations Woman suspected of stealing $800K in 'TrumpCoin' cryptocurrency Man rescued after 30-foot fall into hole Lawyer for Sean 'Diddy' Combs quits ahead of trial: 'Under no circumstances can I continue' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
