Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), with support from the state of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, has 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. This is the first year this grant program has been available. It was designed to complement the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook developed by KLB and French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
“These Louisiana outdoor events are increasing their efforts and taking steps to protect our beautiful state from litter and divert unnecessary waste from the landfill,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “We are proud to support the implementation of the Greener Grounds Grant program. Less litter results in a cleaner and healthier environment and an improved event goer experience.”
“We all love to laissez les bons temps rouler, but we must ensure the waste inevitably created by outdoor events does not threaten our environment,” said KLB Executive Director Susan Russell. “Keeping event sites clean enhances the attendee experience and stops mismanaged waste from becoming litter. Litter ultimately harms Louisiana wildlife, clogs storm drains, pollutes our waterways, hurts economic development, and impacts our quality of life.”
The Greener Grounds Grant, a reimbursement grant for up to $8,000, supports non-profit large outdoor events such as festivals, fairs, concerts, and parades. To be eligible, events must host more than 1,000 attendees and take place between October 2023 and May 2024. Other eligibility requirements and conditions apply.