According to Nola.com an online petition is calling for New Orleans to ban beads during Mardi Gras, referring to them as trashy and toxic.
Aaron Viles, the petition co-writer asks, "(Krewes) Just get rid of 'em completely unless and until biodegradable, water soluble, non-toxic beads are developed and available."
Viles cites NOLA.com saying 46-tons of beads end up in catch basins post Mardi Gras. Viles refers to beads as fillers stating parade goers just want glittery shoes, coconuts, and moon pies.
The petition states that beads contain lead, bromine, arsenic, phthalate plasticizers, halogens, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and chlorine.
Viles argues, "(if parade goers) wanted the beads would 46 tons end up down the drain?"
The petition is targeted at the Mayor, King of Carnival, and New Orleans City Council. There are currently 14,655 signatures, the petition needs 15,000.
To read or sign the petition, https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/926/871/960/