"Throw Me Something Local, Mister", Alternative Mardi Gras Throw Contest Held by "I Heart Louisiana"

Online, December 19, 2012 (Newswire.com) - "I Heart Louisiana", an organization dedicated to preserving the ecological and economic health of Louisiana, announces the "Throw Me Something Local" Contest. This statewide contest seeks to encourage locally-created, sustainable carnival throws. Awards and prizes will be presented to winning entries whose throws will then 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 bags of Jambalaya mix. Entries must be submitted to the facebook contest page or to [email protected] 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 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). It was attended by representatives of Verdi Gras, Krewe of Rex, Krewe of Kolossos, Krewe of Chewbacchus, ARC, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Zombeads, Life City, All Things Local Radio WGSO 990 and other local parade organizations. 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.

While efforts have begun recently to collect and redistribute beads from previous years or to redirect the focus of parades off of the throw, "I Heart Louisiana" is dedicated to the further greening of Mardi Gras by promoting locally-created sustainable throws that help create jobs while lowering the amount of waste created during Carnival season.

"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 [email protected]
(available for interview)www.iheartlouisiana.com