Biobeadsnola

02/19/2023

Biobeads for a greener Mardi Gras

02/19/2023

Happy Mardi Gras!!

02/13/2022

For a greener Mardi Gras…BioBeads.

08/26/2020

The toxic tale of those coveted Mardi Gras beads -- MarketWatch.com 2.28.17

Even if you’ve never been to the Carnival celebrations, you probably know the typical scene that plays out on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street every year: Revelers line up along the parade route to collect beads tossed from floats.

But the celebratory atmosphere couldn’t be more different from the grim factories in the Fujian province of China, where teenage girls work around the clock making and stringing together the green, purple and gold beads.

Beneath the sheen of the beads is a story that’s far more complex — one that takes place in the Middle East, China and the United States, and is symptomatic of a consumer culture built on waste, exploitation and toxic chemicals.

The plastic is shipped to China to be fashioned into necklaces — to factories where American companies are able to take advantage of inexpensive labor, lax workplace regulations and a lack of environmental oversight.

When looking at the entire story — from China, to New Orleans — a new picture comes into focus: a cycle of environmental degradation, worker exploitation and irreparable health consequences.

No one is spared; the child on the streets of New Orleans innocently sucking on his new necklace and young factory workers are both exposed to the same neurotoxic chemicals.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-toxic-tale-of-those-coveted-mardi-gras-beads-2017-02-27

08/13/2020

Our actions today determine if there will be a Mardi Gras next year. The data determines the date. We determine the data.

Wear your mask today so we can Mardi Mambo someday soon...

https://ready.nola.gov/mardi-gras/

08/04/2020

Mardi Gras Beads Don't Belong in Your Mouth (or your kids') - BecauseHealth.org February 18, 2020

While collecting throws can be a fun way to celebrate, there is growing concern about the health hazards of the beads and the environmental cost of the beads.

Exposure to lead and flame retardants is harmful to everyone's health, it's particularly dangerous for children. Even though Mardi Gras beads are not a children's product, many children collect and wear them during the parade and often put them in their mouths to chew on.

Children also play with them and residues may end up on their hands, which is another way they could be potentially eating these toxic substances. It is recommended to limit the interaction your little ones have with Mardi Gras bead to prevent exposure to these toxic substances.

If you have a toddler or baby who is teething, don't let them chew on the beads. And for older children, let them wear them for a short while and then consider donating them to be reused.

And for everyone who touches the beads, make sure to wash hands before snacking or eating.

https://www.becausehealth.org/mardi-gras-beads-toxic-2645184113.html

07/20/2020

The Toxic Truth Behind Mardi Gras Beads - Smithsonianmag.com March 8, 2017

Every year, 25 million pounds of plastic beads made by Chinese factory workers get dumped on the streets of New Orleans. Flame retardants and lead in Mardi Gras beads may pose a danger to people and the environment.

Beneath the sheen of the beads is a story that’s far more complex – one that takes place in the Middle East, China and the United States, and is symptomatic of a consumer culture built on waste, exploitation and toxic chemicals.

The plastic is shipped to China to be fashioned into necklaces – to factories where American companies are able to take advantage of inexpensive labor, lax workplace regulations and a lack of environmental oversight.

“If children pick up the beads, they will become exposed to a fine dusting of lead.” Dr. Howard Mielke, Tulane University’s Department of Pharmacology.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/toxic-truth-mardi-gras-beads-180962431/

Every year, 25 million pounds of plastic beads made by Chinese factory workers get dumped on the streets of New Orleans

07/10/2020

Blaine Kern Sr., impresario of a New Orleans float-building empire, the man who was responsible for designing, building, and staging the most elaborate carnival parades will always be remembered as Mr. Mardi Gras.

He opened Kern Studios in 1947. And everything changed. Mardi Gras was off to the races, with Blaine Kern riding in the saddle.

He created the signature floats for Rex, Bacchus, Endymion, Zulu, Muses, Orpheus and on and on.

Tonight the Mercedes-Benz Superdome will be illuminated in purple, green and gold in honor of the one and only Mr. Mardi Gras.

07/08/2020

BioBeads are eco-friendly, biodegradable, recyclable, non-toxic Mardi Gras beads made in New Orleans. Contact us on Facebook Messenger or [email protected] to learn more.

https://www.biobeads.net/photo-gallery.html