Whether it’s your clothes, cap, or foaming mug, St. Patrick’s Day is about going green. So, if you’re planning to imbibe and celebrate this holiday known for its vibrant attire and lively gatherings, why not embrace sustainability? After all, as we become increasingly aware of our environmental impact, it’s essential to approach festivities mindful of excessive waste and consumption. By being eco-aware, we can enjoy the fun of St. Patty’s Day while minimizing our carbon footprint and supporting local communities in the process. Here’s how to have a green St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 17.
Support local breweries
Raise a glass to St. Patrick’s Day with locally brewed beers and ciders. Instead of opting for mass-produced, imported beverages, support your local breweries and cideries.
Many craft breweries offer seasonal and specialty brews perfect for celebrating the holiday, from Irish-inspired ales and stouts to quintessential green beers. Not only does this approach support local businesses that help your community thrive, but it also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting beverages long distances. You can also avoid single-use plastic straws and stirrers, and opt for reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
Embrace sustainable fashion
Instead of purchasing disposable green clothing or accessories, consider thrift shopping for green clothing or accessories, repurposing items from your closet, or supporting eco-friendly brands that prioritize ethical production and materials. Additionally, you can get creative with DIY projects to upcycle old clothing or create festive accessories using sustainable materials. And if none of this is appealing, you probably have a green shirt in your closet that will do just fine.
Plan sustainable celebrations
Choose local and organic food and beverage options to reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses. Opt for reusable tableware, such as bamboo plates and utensils, or encourage guests to bring their own. Minimize waste by composting food scraps and recycling containers, and consider implementing a zero-waste policy for your event.
Green gift giving
If exchanging gifts as part of your St. Patrick's Day tradition, choose gifts that promote sustainability, such as reusable water bottles, organic skincare products, or DIY homemade treats. Consider giving experiences rather than physical items, such as cooking classes, outdoor adventures, or tickets to eco-friendly events.
Choose eco-friendly decorations
Leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll see store aisles full of all things green, shamrock, and Irish-inspired. The problem is that these cheaply made products are often made from plastic, making them non-biodegradable and emitting loads of CO2 into the atmosphere during their manufacturing.
Plus, these items aren’t meant to last. You’ll wear them or use them for the day and then they quickly wind up in landfills or the back of your closet never to be seen or used again. Save money and help the planet out by skipping these products altogether. Whether it’s a plastic pair of green St. Patrick’s Day glasses or a plastic shamrock drinking cup, you don’t need it.
If you must buy St. Patrick’s Day items this year, whether you’re hosting or just celebrating, opt for sustainably green alternatives. This means decorating with items you already have at home or getting creative with DIY decorations using recycled or organic materials. For example, you can use Kraft paper (or even your SaltyLama packaging) to cut out shamrocks, paint them green, and hang them up as bunting. That’s one of the easiest and most sustainable St. Patrick’s Day DIYs.
Otherwise, use greenery from your garden or local florists to create beautiful arrangements for your gathering. Embrace your creativity and think outside of the box to have a green St. Patrick’s Day party.
Go green with food
When planning your St. Patrick’s Day snacks, try incorporating locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Visit your local farmer’s market or co-op to find fresh produce and artisanal products. Choose organic options whenever possible to minimize exposure to harmful pesticides and support sustainable farming practices. We’re imagining a lovely locally sourced St. Patty’s Day charcuterie board.
For a more cultural gathering, consider traditional Irish dishes while still using locally sourced ingredients for a festive and sustainable meal. For touches of green, matcha is a delicious green drink to serve that is full of health benefits. Otherwise, you can choose organic green food coloring to give drinks and even dishes like Irish potatoes a green touch.
Support sustainable practices
As you celebrate St. Patrick's Day, consider ways to support environmental initiatives and sustainable practices. That can mean attending green events and parades that promote eco-consciousness and raise awareness about environmental issues. Or you can donate to organizations that focus on environmental conservation or participate in community clean-up efforts.
Reduce and reuse
If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party this year, prioritize sustainability in your planning. This means choosing reusable plates, utensils, and glassware instead of disposable alternatives like plastic and Styrofoam. So, we recommend either using what you already have or heading to a thrift store for unique St. Patrick’s Day kitchenware.
For a sustainable gathering, you should also provide recycling bins for your guests to dispose of cans and bottles responsibly. Compost any leftover food scraps that aren’t meat. These small changes can have a big environmental impact when it comes to lowering carbon emissions associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
Clean up sustainably
When it’s time to clean up, it can be tempting to toss everything into the trash and quickly wipe surfaces with chemical cleaners. So, beforehand, lay down a reusable tablecloth ahead of time for an easier clean-up. We also recommend using cloth instead of paper towels, since paper towels can’t be composted. And when it does come time to wash your tablecloth and other reusable fabrics, choose SaltyLama laundry detergent sheets. Packaged in lightweight, biodegradable material, these plant-based sheets deliver an effective clean without any of the harsh chemicals of traditional detergents. Plus, if you want to make sure you never run out of detergent — while also saving money — subscribe and save. Just schedule when you want your order. You can cancel, pause, or skip an order on your subscription whenever you want.
This St. Patrick’s Day let’s make it a green day by embracing sustainable tips and supporting local communities. Whether you’re decorating your home, enjoying festive drinks, or preparing a delicious meal, there are plenty of ways to celebrate minimizing your environmental impact. Let's raise a glass to a greener future and celebrate responsibly this St. Patrick's Day and every day thereafter. Cheers!