Mardi Gras season is here, and we are just days away from elaborate celebrations breaking out across the country.
You can expect king cakes, vibrant parades and music, and of course, beads!
However, that beloved tradition can also cause major harm, with plastic beads negatively impacting the environment once discarded.
Students at Louisiana State University are looking to change that by developing biodegradable Mardi Gras beads. They found that 3D printing the beads made with plant-based plastic was not enough, and ultimately decided to fill the celebratory necklaces with seeds. Once planted, the roots of the germinating seeds help attract bacteria, promoting a faster breakdown.
So far, LSU researchers have cut down the cost of production from $5 a strand to $0.50. They plan to mass produce their Plant Me Beads for Mardi Gras next year.
UT Extension also offers tips to help consumers stretch their grocery budgets, including meal planning, sticking to a shopping list, and choosing store or generic brands.
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