Celebrating a sustainable St Patricks day!

St. Patrick's Day is a time of celebration, but it's also an opportunity to reflect on our environmental impact. As we celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, it's essential to remember our commitment to being more sustainable.

Single-use plastics 

One way to do this is by reducing our consumption of single-use plastics. Many St. Patrick's Day celebrations involve drinking and partying, which often leads to using disposable cups, plates, and utensils. Instead, consider using reusable options or compostable alternatives from materials like bamboo or paper. 

Another way to be more sustainable on St. Patrick's Day is by choosing locally sourced food and drinks. Buying local not only supports the community but also reduces the carbon footprint of transportation. Additionally, choosing organic and non-GMO options can promote sustainable agriculture practices. This is incredibly important when considering reducing your personal impact because our food often has to travel very far before reaching our plates. This, in turn, negatively affects the environment in the long run.

Dressing up

When it comes to clothing, consider opting for eco-friendly materials. If you're planning on wearing a costume or dressing up, try to use items you already own or borrow from a friend rather than buying something new that will only be worn once. This way, you save a lot of money and avoid falling prey to fast fashion! If this doesn't work, try as many charity shops as you can, as sometimes they have the perfect costume for a fraction of the retail price, or you can upcycle something you find. 

Decorations

Single-use decorations are another product of celebrations and events that can harm the environment. Instead of buying plastic decorations, use natural materials where you can, such as flowers, leaves, and branches. You can also create your own decorations using recycled materials like cardboard or paper to create banners. 

If you are looking for a sustainable activity to do with children on St Patrick's day, a fun idea is cutting and decorating paper shamrocks. They could be drawn on, painted or collaged and can be tied together at the end to create a decoration without costing the planet. - Eventually, you will have a unique decoration to keep or recycle after the festivities! Baking green frosted cupcakes or treats is another fun, low-impact activity for the family.

Transport

Taking public transportation, carpooling, or biking to your St. Patrick's Day celebrations is ideal if possible. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps you avoid the hassle of finding parking in crowded areas and can help you to save money. Also, who really wants to drive after partying? Allow yourself to let loose and take the bus!

By making small changes to our St. Patrick's Day celebrations, we can make a big impact on the environment. 

Let's raise a Guinness to sustainability this March 17th!

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