In recent years, community efforts across the Gulf Coast region have gained a lot of ground in the fight to keep plastic Mardi Gras trinkets out of the drains and gutters and the waterways they eventually dump into.

It doesn’t help that it’s “bad juju” to keep or pick up Mardi Gras throws that land on the ground. Anything not caught in mid-air is likely the dangling detritus you see in the trees or power lines, and all along the curbs and swales along parade routes.

We spoke with two high schools on the coast with programs that involve students in Mardi Gras recycling programs. After reading these stories, scroll down for other eco-actions also getting traction along the Mardi Gras coast.

Ball High School, Galveston, TX: The Tor Store & Beads for Needs

Funny thing about Ball High on Galveston Island: The school’s mascot and school colors share two of the three Mardi Gras hues. Tuffy the Tor (aka tornado) and every other indicator of school spir