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Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), with support from the state of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, has awarded 25 organizations in 15 parishes a total of $141,133 in Greener Grounds Grants to implement best practices for litter and waste prevention and reduction at large outdoor events. This is the first year this grant program has been available. It was designed to complement the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook developed by KLB and French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
“These Louisiana outdoor events are increasing their efforts and taking steps to protect our beautiful state from litter and divert unnecessary waste from the landfill,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “We are proud to support the implementation of the Greener Grounds Grant program. Less litter results in a cleaner and healthier environment and an improved event goer experience.”
“We all love to laissez les bons temps rouler, but we must ensure the waste inevitably created by outdoor events does not threaten our environment,” said KLB Executive Director Susan Russell. “Keeping event sites clean enhances the attendee experience and stops mismanaged waste from becoming litter. Litter ultimately harms Louisiana wildlife, clogs storm drains, pollutes our waterways, hurts economic development, and impacts our quality of life.”
The Greener Grounds Grant, a reimbursement grant for up to $8,000, supports non-profit large outdoor events such as festivals, fairs, concerts, and parades. To be eligible, events must host more than 1,000 attendees and take place between October 2023 and May 2024. Other eligibility requirements and conditions apply.
In 2023, KLB partnered with French Quarter Festivals, Inc. to create the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook providing practical ways event organizers can plan to manage and reduce waste, increase recycling, and prevent litter at their events. The Greener Grounds Grant supports the implementation of the best practices outlined in the guidebook and workbook, and both publications will be utilized by grant recipients.
Local 2023 Greener Grounds grantees include:
Organization: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government
Event: Terrebonne Parish Christmas Parade and Festival
Where: Terrebonne Parish
When: December 2, 2023
Grant funds will be used to promote recycling and discourage littering. Equipment will be purchased to assist with trash collection. Bins will be purchased to promote recycling. Aprons will be purchased for the event volunteers.
Organization: South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center
Event: Ladybug Ball Festival
Where: Terrebonne Parish
When: April 20, 2024
Grant funds will be used to set up zero waste stations around the festival grounds, including a tent, table, chairs, and zero waste bins. Each station will include a recycling bin, compostable bin, and trash bin. Grant funding will also be used to purchase the appropriate bags for the Clearstream zero waste bins and transporters. For volunteers, funds will purchase t-shirts, food, and water. Funds will also support educational workshops and event signage focused on reducing waste and preventing litter. Finally, funding will provide grabbers and bags to allow volunteers to pick up trash beyond the festival grounds, cleaning the surrounding community.
Download the guidebook, workbook, and find more information about the Greener Grounds grant program at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org. KLB encourages all event organizers in Louisiana to use the guidebook and workbook when planning events.
Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is the state’s leading anti‐litter and community improvement non-profit organization focused on achieving a cleaner, greener Louisiana through education, enforcement, public awareness, and community engagement. KLB is affiliated with the national organization, Keep America Beautiful, and is supported by a robust statewide network of 43 Community Affiliates and 10 University Affiliates. Learn more at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.
