Posted on Jan 05, 2024 | Blog,News
Greener Grounds Spotlight: Pontchartrain Conservancy’s Lights on the Lake
In 2023, Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), with support from the State of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, 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. The grant program was designed to complement the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook developed by KLB and French Quarter Festivals, Inc. On December 9, Greener Grounds grant recipient, Pontchartrain Conservancy, hosted their annual Lights on the Lake event, which featured local food vendors, choir and dance troupe performances, arts and crafts, and a photo booth. Attendees also witnessed the boat parade put on by locals. With their grant, Pontchartrain Conservancy enhanced recycling efforts and implemented measures to ensure a litter-free environment.
This year, Lights on the Lake drew over 1,000 people. With stream improvements, educational signage, and help from the Greener Grounds Volunteer Krewe, there was zero litter left on the Pontchartrain Conservancy’s lighthouse grounds following the event! Pontchartrain Conservancy also partnered with the Osprey Initiative to collect and recycle 2.40 lbs of #1 plastic bottles and 11.08 lbs of aluminum cans.
Greener Grounds Volunteer Krewe volunteers ensured a litter-free environment.
In addition, Pontchartrain Conservancy focused on sustainable activities for guests, including free biodegradable glitter application and oyster shell ornament painting. To avoid creating waste, napkins donated from a previous event were stamped with the organization’s mascot and the lighthouse logo. Event organizers also utilized existing banners and ensured that recycling informational signage was evergreen for permanent use and translated into multiple languages.
Free biodegradable glitter application, courtesy of Pixie Dust Biodegradable Glitter.
Download the Greener Grounds guidebook and workbook, and find more information about the grant program at www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org. KLB encourages all outdoor event organizers in Louisiana to use the guidebook and workbook when planning events. Contact [email protected] with questions.
