17 Ways to Green your St. Patty's Day Party

Want to go green but just don't know where to start? Why not host a St. Patty's Day party to celebrate the day and introduce friends, co workers, neighbors, and family to sustainability concepts to go green!

In our sustainability consulting with individuals, we offer fun challenges to our clients to see how many green things they can embrace in building a sustainable lifestyle. Holidays are a fun way to "kick start" a sustainability program and also spark the green enthusiasm in others.

Here are 17 fun ways to bring eco awareness to your St. Patty's day:

Invite your guest electronically: try Ping or Evite for customized e-invitations
Theme your party for St Patrick's Day as a launching pad to go green
Purchase reusable decorations
Decorate with plants: improve air quality as well as lively decoration
Offer party favors and decorations made by local artisans, fair trade companies and/ or from recycled materials
Center party fun around green and sustainability concepts including engagement with the local community
Centrally locate the festivities to provide for mass transit and easy carpooling
Provide drinks in large pitchers or punch bowls with glass bottles
Use compostable plates and utensils
Recycle: provide clearly marked recycling containers for food, bottles, cans, etc.
Provide nutritional snacks from a local caterer offering organic cuisine
Sprinkle soy candles around for decoration
Celebrate St Patty's day with Organic beer
Time your party and utilize Daylight Savings time: minimize your use of lights
Donate leftover food to a local
Pre and Post party: clean with eco friendly products
Capitalize on the Green in St Patty's and Commit to more eco awareness in your life

Throughout my professional consulting career, I've found holidays to be a great way to integrate sustainability concepts not only into your own life, but also into the lives of others. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!