Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Slainte! To mark the day when we celebrate the Emerald Isle and everyone is just a little bit Irish, I’ve got 17 ways to be green on St. Paddy’s Day (or any day).

Of course, I’m talking about being green in the eco-friendly sense but, in keeping with the theme of the day, I’ve kept the list as festive as possible. You can easily apply these tips to any gathering or celebration.

This post was originally published in March 2021 and updated February 2023.

My Irish heritage

St. Patrick’s Day is a special day for my family. My mother was born in Wexford, Ireland and most of her family still lives there.

As I’m sure you can imagine, my family has enjoyed many a great St. Patrick’s Day celebration over the years. I missed our usual get-togethers during the pandemic.

17 ways to be green

Without further ado, here are 17 ways to be green on St. Patrick’s Day.

1. The Irish are second largest tea drinkers in the world. Brew your cuppa using a tea ball.
2. Use reusable shopping bags to pick up your party supplies.
3. Choose a draft Guinness, beer or cider. It’s the most eco-friendly option.
4. Return your empty beer bottles, and recycle your Guinness cans.
5. Skip the straw or sip your beverage with a reusable straw.
6. Wear green clothes you already own, or buy them at a thrift store.
7. Use cloth napkins as you enjoy your Irish stew and soda bread.
8. Wipe up spills with reusable cloths instead of paper towels.
9. If you’re concerned about germs, wear a reusable face mask. Bonus points if it’s green or has shamrocks on it.
10. Use real plates, glasses and cutlery for your celebration.
11. Make your coffee at home. Feel free to mark the occasion by adding a shot of Bailey’s.
12. Package your Irish treats in containers instead of plastic bags.
13. Skip items with glitter. Most glitter contains micro-plastics which are horrible for the environment.
14. Save your green decorations to reuse next year.
15. If you’re going out to celebrate, walk, bike or take public transit. You’ll be able to enjoy more than one Guinness, Harp or Magners without worrying about driving home.
16. When the party is over, hang your green shirt to dry.
17. Spring is almost here so why not plant something green, maybe even a Shamrock? Check out Here’s How to Grow a Shamrock Plant from Country Living.

More tips for green living

If you’re looking or more easy ways to be green, check out these posts:

• Simple and easy tips to ‘go green’ in your everyday life (Collab post)
• 21 simple kitchen swaps to be more eco-friendly
• 5 reasons to swap your bottles for bars

I’ll be raising a Guinness later today and toasting my mum and all my Irish relatives. Slainte!

What are your plans for St. Patrick’s Day? Tell us below.