Keep It Clean NOLA Launches to Build a More Sustainable City

Image: Aerial view of Downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. (photo via Kruck20/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Fri June 23, 2023

WHY IT RATES: Business leaders join together to boost sustainability in practices in New Orleans.

More than 80 organizations from hotels to manufacturers gathered at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel on Canal in April to learn from leaders across the city about ways to shift the narrative from New Orleans being known for waste, to instead being known for community and culturally-driven sustainability actions.

Now the mission is to Keep It Clean around New Orleans. This initiative is being presented to give restaurants, hotels, bars and manufacturers a way to learn how to become sustainable and get connected to service providers to start.

To support this transition, the Love Your City platform brings companies a no-cost opportunity to become more sustainable. From green infrastructure improvements and composting to biodegradable glitter management, Love Your City facilitates conversations and brings the community together to make these changes easier for businesses to implement.

Restaurants, manufacturers, hotels and more can set sustainability goals and earn badges in categories like Energy, Water, and Zero Waste. These badges are promoted on an Impact Directory that connects conscious consumers to purpose-driven companies. From providing connections to local service providers to resource guides on how to get started, Love Your City helps all businesses implement change. The Directory is promoted to visitors and residents who want to support a stronger, more sustainable New Orleans, and showcases each business's actions.

One hotel, in particular, has made significant changes in the energy and waste categories and has saved a lot more than money. “Hotel Peter & Paul was proud to participate in the Zero Waste Campaign last year. Our hotel saved money while having a stronger impact on the local community. I did it because I believed in it - but it turned out to be a really smart business decision with thousands of dollars in savings,” said Nathalie Jordi from Hotel Peter & Paul.

Organizations can participate in the campaign by going to https://www.loveyourcity.us/ and creating an individual and organizational profile (it’s like LinkedIn but for sustainable impact). There they can earn badges in 10 categories, be directly linked with service providers and make their impact visible to the public. The Campaign is supported by the City of New Orleans, New Orleans & Company, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and more.

“New Orleans & Company is investing in this Campaign because residents, visitors, and leaders are demanding greater sustainability,” said Kevin Ferguson, Vice President of External Affairs & Membership. “This is the future of travel and we can’t wait to see how many hotels, restaurants, music venues, attractions and businesses of all sizes step up to support sustainable business practices.”

Among the many service providers who attended the launch including composting, recycling, energy, and water management companies, panelists inspired the crowd at the event. Speakers included Gregory Swafford from Culture of Cleanliness, Michelle Krueger from Entergy Smart, Meagan M. William from the CNO Department of Public Works, Melissa Kenyon from Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Nathalie Jordi from Hotel Peter and Paul.

“There are several case studies of companies who participate in Energy Smart and save money,” said Michelle Krueger, “there is one month left for people to apply and get up to 100% of the costs of new efficiency upgrades covered by the program.”

All participants in the Keep it Clean Campaign will be recognized at the Love Your City Awards on October 19th, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.

The next event as part of the campaign will be held at Cafe Negril on Frenchmen Street on Wednesday, June 28th from 4:30-7PM and will feature bars and restaurants that have started recycling, composting and reducing their waste. From food to energy waste, it all counts.

You can sign up to attend this happy hour at keepitcleanhappyhour.eventbrite.com.