Geauxing Green
Our Sustainability Efforts
Our Sustainability Efforts
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI) works year-round to uplift and sustain Louisiana’s cultural resources, but in recent years, we recognized an urgent need to safeguard and nurture our natural resources as well. This understanding means reducing the environmental impact of the cultural celebrations that are such an essential part of life in Louisiana so we can ensure they continue for generations to come. To address this issue, FQFI launched a sustainability initiative for festivals called Geauxing Green in 2021. The program focuses on trash and marine debris prevention, waste diversion, and environmental education.
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. hit major sustainability milestones last year thanks to your incredible support. We need YOU to help us continue to geaux greener!
Efforts


HOW YOU CAN HELP.
Look for these bins around the festival and sort your waste:
GREEN=
Compost your food scraps, compostable plates, forks, etc.
BLUE=
Recyclables include plastics #1 & #2, aluminum cans, paper, and cardboard.
BLACK=
Landfill items are non-compostable and non-recyclable waste.

Our Success
- Our food vendors use compostable materials—toss them in the GREEN bins!
- 7 Festivals Strong: Geauxing Green has been implemented at seven of our festivals since its launch.
- 212,930 Pounds Diverted: Over 212,930 pounds of waste has been kept out of landfills, with an average waste diversion rate of 36%.
- Record Success at Satchmo SummerFest: 61.5% of all waste was recycled or composted this year.
- French Quarter Festival Impact: 30% of waste was diverted from landfills at this year’s event.
- Green Team Dedication: Our incredible Green Team volunteers have contributed 1,780 hours to these vital environmental efforts.
- Souvenir Cups: Our reusable keepsakes reduce waste, support our programming, and help you cherish the memories.
Pro Tips:
- Grab a free pocket ashtray at the Geauxing Green Tent on Kohlmeyer Lawn, thanks to our sponsors.
- Use one of our cigarette recycling stations.
- Skip outside food and drink; only items bought on-site are recyclable or compostable.
- Ride your bike, take public transit or carpool. Eco-friendly travel makes a difference!
WHY IT MATTERS
Landfills produce methane and pollutants that harm New Orleans’ air and worsen climate change. Litter from plastics and waste damages wetlands, bayous, and the Mississippi River impacting wildlife, recreation, and our community’s food sources.
With YOUR help, we can divert waste, reduce pollution, and support sustainable solutions for Louisiana’s environment.
WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR?
French Quarter Festival is stepping up its renewable energy game!
- Solar-powered stage: The Omni Royal Orleans stage (500 Royal Street, Sat/Sun).
- Electric golf carts: 6 carts now in use.
- Solar-powered light towers: 4 units introduced.
- Energy audit: Partnering with Solar Alternatives to track our carbon footprint.
JOIN THE GREEN TEAM
Are you passionate about sustainability?
Volunteer with the Green Team and make a real impact! Perfect for schools, environmental groups, and individuals who love clean festivals and healthy waterways. Together, we can make this year our greenest festival yet. Let’s geaux green, NOLA!
SUPPORT FOR GEAUXING GREEN COMES FROM


Councilmembers Freddie King III and Jean Paul “JP” Morrell






Spotlight: The Greener Grounds Guide
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) present the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook, the go-to resource for sustainable event planning in Louisiana.
These free guides offer practical tips for reducing waste, increasing recycling, and preventing litter at outdoor events.
Looking ahead, applications for this year’s Greener Grounds Grant will open soon. Don’t miss your chance to fund your event’s sustainability efforts!