Shout out to these sustainable krewes.
Krewe of Muses: ReMUSEable Throws
Since its inception, Muses has emphasized usable (reMUSEable!) throws. From soap to earbuds, socks to water bottles, luggage tags to pens and notebooks, bandanas to scarves, Muses is a leader in throws that are functional and exciting for the crowds. Muses throws are cherished, worn, and displayed throughout the year, rather than being discarded to clog drains or landfills.
Of course, the iconic and upcycled shoe, which was originally an homage to the Zulu coconut, is a perfect example of reuse. Many of the Muses tote bags, pencil bags, and cosmetic bags are actually made from recycled materials.
This year’s re-MUSEable throws include a knit beanie, a woven tea towel with Goddessey artwork, a compact mirror with a special and empowering message, a notebook with 3D cover artwork featuring rider-made shoes, a light-up scrunchie, and the third in the cocktail napkin series. Riders will also be throwing a pendant designed by local artist Thomas Mann. Of course, there are many more.
Krewe of Iris
Since soaring to Super Krewe status over the past 10 years, the Krewe of Iris has focused their throw designs on what children and adults would want to keep, use and cherish for years to come. Being a day parade and a family friendly parade you will find the ladies throwing items ranging from tutus and capes for kids to baseball hats, pickle ball sets, Fanny packs, socks, gloves, contact cases, travel fans, insulted cups and bottles, reusable straws, visors, branded sunglasses, head bands, just to name a few.
The Krewe of Iris was the first Krewe to source branded throw packages from Grounds Krewe in 2021. The Krewe of Iris takes this commitment to sustainability very seriously by offering our members the opportunity to do their part in reducing waste in Mardi Gras directly through us. They continue to offer these packages to our members and led the way for other Krewes to do the same.
Being a day parade it is only natural that our signature throw is hand decorated sunglasses - often upcycled by members and cherished by all who receive them. This signature throw is particularly special since they can actual be worn by those who are lucky enough to catch them!
Krewe of Rex
ricRACK
ricRACK plays a major part in growing the next generation’s artistry, independence, and environmental consciousness – stitch by stitch. Before ricRACK, no organization in New Orleans was focused on waste reduction and skill building with textiles and we’re excited to extend that mission into helping create a more sustainable Mardi Gras. In addition to hosting Costume Carnival workshops, we've partnered with a few local designers, sewists and krewes to create throws repurposed from textiles. We're utilizing off-cuts from old rider tunics to make artist designed throws putting the focus on making sure things are saved because they’re special, not tossed after a parade. The repurposed throws project is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council.
ricracknola.com/carnivaltime
Join the Initiative
Are you a part of a Mardi Gras krewe focusing more on sustainable throws? Tell us more about your krewe’s efforts during Mardi Gras to be highlighted on the NOLA Ready webpage and social media accounts.
Email us at ready@nola.gov with your krewe’s logo and short description and/or photos of the throws