New Orleans' efforts to reduce Mardi Gras waste and reuse beads and throws have been ongoing for decades and involve a complicated web of community groups, leaders and businesses. Carnival lasts just a few months each year, but collecting, sorting and reselling beads is a year-round endeavor.

Be on the lookout this Mardi Gras for a little extra star power in New Orleans as Shaquille O'Neal, "True Blood" star Rutina Wesley and others reign as celebrity monarchs in parades. Why it matters: Some will throw custom doubloons and swag.

Paradegoers catch throws during Mardi Gras celebrations on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. A number of parades scheduled to take place in New Orleans on Sunday, Feb. 23 were postponed due to the rain. Most were rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25. The Barkus parade will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 9.