US
NEW
ORLEANS
March 25th - May 3rd
CULTURE
MUSIC
CRAFTING
ARTS
CONNECTING
This year The Recycle Challenge Parade and Festival 2025, theme is "Connecting Us". As a experientmental, small festival in it's 4th year, the message is loud and clear, we must connect us back to the basics of caretaking ourselves, and our families. We must celebrate these actions through creativity and crafting experiences, while embracing a better understanding of sustainability. Our annual gathering in New Orleans, strives to connect us to a sense of returning home, reuniting with something familiar as family and friends. Listening to the stories told by our elders that ask us to rethink, recycle, re-imagine, and repurpose for a better future.
THE RECYCLE STORY
Imagine what's possible when you repurpose unwanted materials as paper into parade costumes. All while you are reducing the waste that would go to landfills, or waterways or to your neighborhood. The model in this photo is wearing a hat crafted in 2017, that utilizes over 300 sheets of newspaper, 20 styrofoam cups, and scaps of fiber to create one hat. For the jacket 500 newspaper were redirected from going into the landfills, waterways or neighborhoods.
TOTAL SAVED: 820
Styrofoam newspapers
SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS
THREE
LOCATIONS
IN
NEW ORLEANS
COMBINED EXPERIENCES
Bringing together local to world class artists, teachers & performers
The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival is a program and fundraiser for Literacy Project International that developes an educational programs that connect real-world expectations thereby increasing critical thinking, literacy and cultural awareness. The Recycle Challenge Program brand (the parade & festival, crafting & recycling stations) focuses on implementing actions that minimizes, reduces and repurpose our organization's use of trash.
The challenge is a call to action to inspire and educate participants on incorporating creative ways to recycle.This year is particularly special as Easter Sunday coincides with Earth Day on Monday, running from March 25th to May 3, 2025. Our theme "Connecting Us" focuses on including communities in the discussions, actions and opportunities around sustainability living. During the end of March to May 3rd, over ten events, we bring together the best local to international artists, teachers, coaches, environmentalists, and culture bearers to share their knowledge!
The aim is to continue to intertwine storytelling with culture bearers sharing African and Indigenous cultural contributions to art of crafting and its many disciplines such as art, herbalism, sewing, and sourcing materials from the land.
Connecting
US
STORY TELLING
Watch time: 21 seconds
PSA on The RecycLe Challenge'
Watch time: 27:52
Announcing the winners for 2024
Watch time: 1:27
Comments from Attendees 2023
FEATURES OF 2025 FESTIVAL
GLOBAL AWARENESS
We are about encouragement, and connecting the continent of Africa to us, as a global family. During various events, attendees will be introduced community partners as The Milliners Association of Nigeria whose collaboration over the years, have acheived effective ways to creatively reduce trash production through an online TRASH TO WEALTH Hat Competition.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Our sponsor is HEALTHNUTT SYSTEM that will be infusing nutrition, health and wellness into this year's event. We are excited to offer a variety of health-focused activities and workshops that promote sustainable living and overall well-being.
VOLUNTEERISM
This year's Recycle Challenge, in partnership with Welcome Home Farm, offers a vibrant volunteer experience focused on sustainability and community involvement. Participants can engage in hands-on planting, weeding, care-taking the land, and contribute directly to the farm's mission. With flexible commitment options and family-friendly activities, volunteers will gain valuable skills while making a meaningful impact.
COMMUNING WITH COMMUNITY
By hosting events in multiple locations, we ensure that more community members can participate without the need for extensive travel. This inclusivity strengthens community bonds and broadens the festival's small carbon impact.
FOCUS ON EDUCATION
This year we have incorporated an online experience for college student's from Iowa who are creating sound installations that will be crafted solely from trash. As The Recycle Challenge Parade and Festival grows we cover the gambit of ways to include family-friendly events that engage, educate and entertain participant's to see how we are connected to trash -- differently.
SALONS AT
MULTI-LOCATIONS
This year's festival, will incorporate multi-locations introducing salons in setting that are comfortable or provide a warm, comfy vibe. Providing the multi-location experience provides engagement and accessibility, bringing the celebration to various parts of New Orleans.
Neighborhoods Selected: (more to be added)
*Lower 9th Ward
*Fabourge Mariny / St. Roch Neighborhood
*French Quarter
>>>Read Blog on Why Multi-Location?
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
A collective of artists, and conscious-minded individuals who share studio space with The Recycle Challenge and its programming.
Bruce George is the co-founder of the award-winning "Russell Simmons Presents, Def Poetry Jam," and the Founder of a growing "Genius Is Common" Movement. He is also an executive producer, writer, poet, entrepreneur, author, speaker and social activist.
At Delta Builds, we're led by Dr. Dorothy Nairne, a dedicated visionary who holds the words of the National African American anthem, 'Lift Every Voice,' close to her heart. With over two decades of experience in Africa, using Johannesburg as her home base, she brings a wealth of knowledge. Dr. Nairne earned her PhD in international affairs and economic development from HBCU Clark Atlanta University and proudly represents the University of Wisconsin Madison as a Badger.
Ticket Information
The festival provides "free admission" to many of our programming, however, we offer options for tourists and locals to have different type of experiences.
05
1- DAY ARTIST WORKSHOP
$100.00
10 PASSES PER ARTIST WORKSHOP Available! *VIP Amenities: Additional amenities may be included with VIP seating, such as complimentary refreshments, snacks, or even full-service dining options. These amenities elevate the overall experience and add to the exclusivity of VIP participation or seating. *Featured sponsor for to be identified event(s), workshop(s), panel discussion(s). *Access to all events. *A VIP will be an honorary member of our walking parade krewe. Provided with -(1) complimentary costume rental for participation in the walking parade. *Cooking Workshop (1) Swag bag provided with *unique hand-crafted art and sustainable gifts. *The VIP will be invited to the Soul to Soil:Culture, Gardens & Farms Tour. *Meet and Greet Opportunities: to meet and interact with performers, artists, or other notable guests. This could involve photo opportunities, autograph sessions, or exclusive meet-and-greet sessions that allow for personalized interactions and memorable experiences. *(1) Recycle Challenge Tee-Shirt that has been repurposed from old tee-shirt materials. No two are sewn simuliar.
FREQUENT
QUESTIONS
News Items
1. What Is The Recycle Challenge?
a. Blog Read Time: 2 minutes The
Benefits Of Community Crafting
b. Video Time: 1:48 What We Recycle
2. a. Blog Read Time: 3:00
Cultural Crafting Heritage: The Art of Upcycling
3. Video Time:1:10 Benefits of Black Girls
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival 1. What is The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival? The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival is an annual event that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and community engagement through various activities, workshops, and a parade showcasing art and fashion made from recycled materials. 2. When and where does the event take place? The event takes place annually in New Orleans. This year's event begins on March 31st to May 3rd, 2025, at multi-locations will range from the Upper 9th Ward - Welcome Home Farm, St. Roch Neighborhood - New Orleans Healing Center, and French Quarter's The Three Muses Faubourg House. The specific dates for events and activities are being confirmed. By February 5, 2025 an announcement of locations and some featured workshop leaders and musical guests will be announced on our website and social media channels closer to the event date. 3. Is the event free for the general public? Yes, the event is free for the general public. We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the festivities, participate in workshops, and support our mission of promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. However we have passes for attendees who seek a more personalized experience. 4. What types of tickets are available? VIP Sponsorship Pass-$250.00 Sustainable Pass-$100.00 Green Pass-$50.00 Recycle Pass-$1.00 (locals encouraged to bring recycled materials) 5. How can I participate in the parade? To participate in the parade, you need to register in advance. Registration details and deadlines are provided on our website. Participants are encouraged to create costumes and mini floats from recycled materials. 6. Are there workshops and activities for children? Yes, we have a variety of workshops and activities designed specifically for children. These activities are sponsored by Whose Magazine? A Youth Publication. The aim to educate and engage young minds in the importance of recycling and creative expression. 7. Can I volunteer for the event? Absolutely! We welcome volunteers to help with various aspects of the event. Volunteer registration details are available on our website. 8. How do I become a vendor at the festival? To become a vendor, you need to complete an online application, pay the vendor permit fee, and provide necessary documentation. Detailed instructions will be available on our website. 9. What types of recycled materials are allowed for creating art and costumes? Participants are encouraged to use a wide range of recycled materials, including paper, plastic, metal, fabric, and more. Creativity and sustainability are key, so think outside the box! 10. Will there be food and beverages available at the festival? Yes, there will be a variety of food and beverage vendors offering a range of options. We also encourage vendors to use eco-friendly packaging to align with our sustainability goals. 11. Is there a competition or awards for the best recycled art and costumes? Yes, we have 100 Paper Dresses, Suits & Wearable Headpieces competition will be part of 2025 festival. Awards in various categories, including best recycled art, best costume, and best float. Winners receive recognition and prizes from our sponsors. 12. How can I support The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival? You can support us by participating in the event, volunteering, making a donation, or spreading the word about our mission. Every bit of support helps us promote sustainability and environmental awareness in the community. 13. Who can I contact for more information? For more information, please visit our website or contact our event coordinator at email address:therecyclechallenge1@gmail.com or (347) 735-1257. We are happy to assist with any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you at The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival!
Address
Former building of Light Christian Academy
Appoinments Only!
6117 St. Claude Avenue
New Orleans
TEXT Or Phone
347-735-1257