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.
UC Davis Professor and Extension Specialist Dr. Frank Mitloehner joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to preview the festivities and share why this event has become such a special tradition for the ag community.
September 26, 2025 03:21 PM
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On this week’s episode of
FarmHER + RanchHER, host Kirbe Schnoor travels to Wilson’s ranch to see how she blends tradition and technology to raise elite Red Angus cattle.
September 24, 2025 04:02 PM
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What You’re Looking For Is Out Everywhere This Friday, September 26th
September 24, 2025 03:26 PM
Even with the crop harvested, all of the farmers in Louisiana said it is still unlikely they will even break even this year. But that is not stopping them from helping each other.
September 24, 2025 12:38 PM
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UNL Animal Science Ph.D candidate Anna Kobza joined us on Tuesday’s
Market Day Report to share her agriculture story and tips for other producers hoping to share their ag stories online or with the media.
September 23, 2025 03:24 PM
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September 23, 2025 01:37 PM
