NEW ORLEANS(WGNO)– Every year 25 million pounds of beads are imported in New Orleans just for Mardi Gras. That doesn’t include any of the other parades in New Orleans during the year, or any of the other city or state celebrations that involve beads. That’s a lot of beads that are going in to the ground every season.

The 3DBeadman, who you may recognize from his intricate bead designs on the parade route, has patented a new, biodegradable product, after 16 years of working with beads.The biodegradable beads are going to be made in Louisiana from plant matter instead of polystyrene, like the current beads are made from. They won’t contain any lead, phthalates, or other endocrine system disruptors. They should be cheaper to make than current beads, and they wont be harmful to the environment.

3DBeadman’s passion for beads began in middle school when he would create objects and patterns with his recycled throws. He recommends that teachers and parents use their throws for arts and crafts after carnival season to avoid adding more waste to the landfill.

He plans to roll out his new product next year. To donate to his product please visit his website http://www.3-dbeads.net/biobeads.html

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