NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) has chosen Pontchartrain Conservancy to receive a Greener Grounds Grant to support Lights on the Lake’s litter prevention and waste management practices. Pontchartrain Conservancy announced today that Keep Louisiana Beautiful has awarded the $5,000 grant to help create and execute a plan focused on waste reduction.
Pontchartrain Conservancy is hosting their 10th annual Lights on the Lake holiday celebration – a family-friendly holiday event providing one of the best views of the annual West End Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9. Hosted at the New Canal Lighthouse (8001 Lakeshore Drive), the event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“This grant award represents an active partnership with KLB that will help our event organizers uphold their responsibility to do the right thing for the environment while we give our attendees all the fun and festivities Lights on the Lake offers,” said Kristi Trail, executive director of Pontchartrain Conservancy.
Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s mission is to promote personal, corporate, and community responsibility for a clean and beautiful Louisiana. Within that, the Greener Grounds Grants are an endeavor to improve litter prevention and waste management practices at large, outdoor Louisiana events such as fairs, festivals, parades and concerts. KLB partnered with French Quarter Festivals, Inc. to create the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook to provide practical ways that event organizers can plan to manage and reduce waste, increase recycling and prevent litter at their events. The grant supports the implementation of the best practices outlined in the guidebook.
“Louisiana is home to more than 400 festivals and events annually attended by locals and tourists who come together to celebrate the state’s vibrant offerings of food, music, history and culture. With these events often comes a completely avoidable and solvable issue: litter,” says Susan Russell, executive director of KLB. “While we all love to laissez les bons temps rouler, we must ensure the waste inevitably created by outdoor events does not threaten our environment. Keeping event sites clean not only enhances the attendees’ experience, but also helps stop the detrimental cycle of mismanaged waste becoming litter that will clog storm drains or enter waterways – an issue that harms the state’s coastline, wildlife and water quality.”
Made possible with funding from the State of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, 25 Greener Grounds Grants totaling over $140,000 were awarded to eligible organizations including Louisiana non-profits, municipalities and parishes that organize events of at 1,000 attendees per day.
Trail added, “Pontchartrain Conservancy will use our grant to implement a system to properly recycle cans, reduce the use of plastic, and provide receptacles that can easily separate waste and compostable materials. Signage information on our recycling efforts will be posted at the event and highlight the environmental impact of litter and waste, as well as the benefits of sustainable practices. We will also have a Green Krewe of volunteers onsite to assist with collection, sorting, and litter abatement.”
All proceeds from Lights on the Lake will allow Pontchartrain Conservancy to continue its mission to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy, as well as offering education and outreach opportunities through the New Canal Lighthouse.
Admission is $10 (free for children five and under). Tickets to the event will be sold at the door and online via Eventbrite. Visit scienceforourcoast.org for more information.
