Francisco Troutman

Francisco Troutman is CEO of Glass Half Full.

The company turns recycled glass into sand that's used to rebuild Louisiana's disappearing coastline.

This year, she's also queen of Crue de Vue.

The raunchy walking parade is known for its satirical themes.

As part of her reign, Troutman is using recycled glass to make beads.

And more and more crews are moving away from plastic beads to glass ones, which are less toxic for the environment.

For NPR News, I'm Drew Hawkins in New Orleans.