Increasing waste volumes and high resource consumption "just for fun" are no longer acceptable in view of the growing environmental impact of waste. Sustainable carnival is about combining tradition with responsibility in order to ensure that carnival celebrations can continue in the future. In Cologne, a carnival stronghold, sustainability is now an integral part of the organization of neighborhood parades.

The now non-profit association ZERO WASTE KÖLN started as a citizens' initiative in 2018. The association is committed to spreading and networking the zero waste concept at all levels of society—politics, education, citizens, businesses, and gastronomy. The association has also established a working group called Nachhaltige Veedelszüge (Sustainable Neighborhood Parades). Its vision is a sustainable carnival full of joy and community spirit, where revelers respect the environment without having to think too much about it. Cologne's carnival should be compatible with environmental protection, with the use of materials being consciously planned and implemented. In concrete terms, this means that waste is avoided and all materials used are either completely biodegradable or endlessly reusable. The energy required comes from renewable sources and does not cause any harmful emissions. Examples are given of how traditional festivals can be made sustainable and attractive for future generations.

The clearly structured website provides freely available guidelines, databases with valuable tips, ideas, and experience reports for an environmentally friendly carnival, as well as a platform for second-hand costumes, flea markets, exchanges, and costume rentals (see list of links).

Things are also happening in Mainz.

Setting a good example and showcasing plenty of creativity, the interactive “Meerwert Helau” float from Mainz University of Applied Sciences combined environmental awareness with Carnival tradition at the 2025 Rose Monday Parade. Shaped like a giant octopus, the float was powered by pure muscle power using a large tandem bicycle. Instead of throwing confetti, the students riding along symbolically collected deposit bottles with the trash-eating sea creature. The octopus and costumes were created collaboratively by the departments of Business, Design, and Technology and consisted of 80–100% upcycled materials.

The octopus float displayed the number of returnable bottles collected on LED screens. By the end of the parade, the total was 1,162 bottles. The proceeds from the bottle deposits were donated to an organization that removes waste from oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Back in November 2024, the state capital of Mainz and the Mainz Carnival Association 1838 (MCV e.V.) had reached an agreement to make the Rose Monday parade more sustainable and generate less waste. To support this process through dialogue with all stakeholders, the independent initiative “Sauber Sach” was subsequently founded by carnival enthusiasts and environmentally conscious people from the region.

The volunteer initiative, which consists of about 15 members, is now organized into various working groups: the Throwables Working Group, the Parade Organization Working Group, the Communications Working Group, and the Sustainable Snack Bag Working Group. In addition, many other ideas have been gathered, such as those regarding costumes, food and beverages, and indoor carnival celebrations.

The active members meet regularly, maintain a growing network, and welcome new participants. The brand-new website already offers a first glimpse into their activities. For Sauber Sach, one thing is clear: Carnival is just as much fun with less trash—maybe even more!

Food and drink: Do not use disposable tableware, use reusable cups with a deposit, and observe the ban on glass on trains for safety reasons.

Confetti: Plastic confetti is out, confetti made of paper or leaves is in.

Throwing material: Reduce the quantities and packaging; do not throw or catch cheap goods. Dispose of outer packaging correctly. Alternatives can also be handed out from bags from food rescue organizations. Organize yourselves so that unwanted throwing material is handed in and passed on after collection instead of being thrown away.

Towing vehicles and floats: Use electric drives or muscle power. When building floats, look for modular, reusable parts.

Outfits: Use makeup without harmful substances. Costumes can be reused, exchanged, and lent out. Use costume rental services, second-hand stores, clothing exchanges, and sew costumes yourself from old fabrics. Creative accessories can be made from scrap materials or natural materials.

Sustainability officer: Appoint a sustainability officer for your group, club, or float and define responsibilities for the preparation and during the parade.