Mardi Gras parades have a reputation for making a ... which they say they definitely won't put to waste. For NPR News, I'm Matt Bloom in New Orleans. (SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided ...

Method: Blend everything but the nutmeg with ice for 20 minutes. Adjust the sugar and double strain the drink before pouring on ice. Garnish with some nutmeg.

Mardi Gras can make a lot of trash, adding up to millions of pounds each year. Now, some parades in New Orleans are cutting down on their environmental footprint by banning plastic beads.