It’s Carnival season on the Alabama coast, bringing a partying atmosphere to our already festive location.

Parades will roll in on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 in Orange Beach, and again on Mardi Gras Day (Feb. 13) in both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We love welcoming visitors to enjoy the revelry, but we ask that you use environmentally friendly practices while here.

Let’s deal first with the beads, many of which end up in the streets or in trash cans. Those coveted plastic strings can be toxic to the environment, so recycle them instead of tossing them out. The Mobile Association of Retarded Citizens collects them each year, and you’ll see notices for other bead-recycling programs. Or get creative and try your hand at making them into art projects.

Those other throws you grab during parades, such as doubloons, small toys and plastic cups, should also be passed along instead of ending up in the landfill.

While it’s important to stay hydrated during parades, bring a reusable cup or reusable bottle instead of plastic bottles. If you do bring plastic water or drink bottles, please make sure they end up in recycling bins.

Let the good times roll on the Alabama coast this Mardi Gras season, but let’s keep it green (and gold and purple, of course).