“Throw Me Something Local”, Mardi Gras Throw Contest Promotes Sustainability and Creates Jobs

The “Throw Me Something Local” Contest supports the creation of local jobs in Louisiana and promotes the “greening” of Mardi Gras through sustainable, recycled and locally-made products.

New Orleans (I-Newswire) January 9, 2013 - The “Throw Me Something Local” Contest, which invites the public to design locally-made and hand-made Mardi Gras “throws” to win prizes and sell their products, promotes the “greening” of Mardi Gras by supporting sustainable, recycled and locally-made products. The contest, which is sponsored by “I Heart Louisiana”, an organization dedicated to preserving the ecological and economic health of Louisiana, also helps support the creation of new jobs in the New Orleans area.

Sponsors for the event include local organizations and companies such as All Things Local Radio WGSO 990, HBO, The Green Project, Life City, Stay Local, Hollygrove Market and Farm, Dirty Coast, Galleria Alegria, Bon Castor, Louisiana Bicycle Festival, Abita Mystery House, Bywater Art Lofts, Krewe of Kolossos, Krewe of Chewbacchus, The Bearded Oysters and Nola Voodoo Cakes.

Awards and prizes will be presented to winning entries whose throws will be made available for sale through the “I Heart Louisiana” website. Some ideas for alternative throws include locally-produced beads, hand crafted items, and tasty edibles such as small food samples. Entries must be submitted to the facebook contest page or to iheartnola@gmail.com before 12:01 AM, January 31, 2013. Winners will be chosen by popular demand on Facebook and will be announced at the Awards Banquet on February 4th, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Bywater Arts Loft Gallery. Contest details and requirements at http://www.facebook.com/iheartlouisiana.

This contest falls on the heels of the “Greening the Gras” conference on ecological and economic transformation held earlier this month. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xRNmV--ftk&feature=youtu.be. Discussions were held regarding the ecological and economic impact of imported plastic throws on the city and environment of Louisiana. Currently super krewes toss approximately $50,000 of throws per block and competitively purchase enough petroleum based Mardi Gras beads to equal 10% of the BP oil spill. This results in 8000+ tons of trash produced annually which then oxidizes in landfills, releasing toxins into our air, land, and water. I Heart Louisiana and the Throw Me Something Local contest aim to reduce these numbers and create a greener more sustainable Carnival Season while creating local jobs.

“I Heart Louisiana” is an organization dedicated to preserving the ecological and economic health of Louisiana’s people, culture, and wildlife. It provides low-priced, high-quality and locally produced parade products that strengthen the community by creating jobs and preserving cultural heritage.

For more information contact: Katrina Brees 504-905-2830, iheartlouisiana@gmail.com.