Green Llama and Mardi Gras, with an eco-friendly twist

One of our co-founders, Kay, is originally from Baton Rouge, so Mardi Gras means home for her. Did you know that the colors we chose to represent our Green Llama cleaners were selected from those traditionally associated with Mardi Gras (Green, Yellow and Purple)? It's just one of the ways our roots bring Green Llama to life. Let us tell you a little about Mardi Gras. 

Mardi Gras is an annual celebration of culture, tradition, and festivities that takes place in many countries around the world. It is a joyous event that is steeped in history and is celebrated by millions of people every year. 

The origin of Mardi Gras is believed to date back to the ancient Romans who celebrated the festival of Saturnalia during the winter months. The tradition was later adopted by the French and Spanish in their colonial settlements in North America and the Caribbean. It was in the French-Canadian city of New Orleans, however, that Mardi Gras came to be celebrated in its current form. Since then, the celebration has spread to cities and towns around the world. 

Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated with parades, floats, costumes, music, and feasting. People from all walks of life come together to enjoy the festivities and the atmosphere of the holiday. The most iconic image of Mardi Gras is the colorful beads and trinkets that are thrown from the floats and handed out to the crowds. These days, however, there is an increasing focus on eco-friendly practices for Mardi Gras celebrations. 

One way to make Mardi Gras more eco-friendly is to use recyclable materials for decorations and costumes. This means avoiding materials like plastic and Styrofoam and sticking to items like paper, cloth, and cardboard. Reusing and repurposing existing materials can also be a great way to reduce waste. Additionally, avoiding the use of disposable items like plastic plates, cups, and utensils is important when planning a Mardi Gras celebration. 

Finally, it’s important to consider the impact of large-scale events like parades on the environment. When possible, opt for events that incorporate sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources to power floats or providing public transportation to reduce emissions. 

Mardi Gras is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the joys of life. With a few small steps and some thoughtful preparation, we can ensure that our celebrations are both fun and eco-friendly.