With so many people in an area, damage to the environment is bound to happen. Damage to the environment that takes place during large parades needs to be addressed as well. Mardi Gras, the largest parade in the United States, accumulates as much as 2.6 million pounds of street waste, most of the waste is made up of recyclable materials such as cans and plastic bottles. The results of littering consist of clogged storm drains, chemicals, paints, and plastics leaching into the soil and waterways (Melissa). Mardi Gras is a burden on the taxpayers of New Orleans as they host the carnival and pay taxes on cleaning up the aftermath of the parade. There are virtually no trash bins or recycling bins available for all the citizens who attend the parades, resulting in people leaving their trash in the streets. Many fireworks and carbon dioxide emissions pollute the air, carbon dioxide in particular makes up a vast majority of all greenhouse gas emissions. Unless these mass gatherings and parades are put to a stop, they will continue to damage the environment, leaving long-lasting effects on the