Green Things for a Greener St. Patrick’s Day!

By Rachel Tanis

St. Patty’s Day is just around the corner, and those of us living north of the Mason-Dixon are hoping that with spring greener and sunnier days are sure to follow. Celebrate the last big holiday of winter by taking steps to make it a greener celebration. Here are some ideas on how to make your good ole’ Irish holiday truly green, without dying an entire tributary of the Mississippi!

To celebrate the day give away green party favors, such as seedlings. Begin today by planting small trees (seedlings) in little terra cotta pots with some fresh potting soil. Take good care of them and remember to give your friends instructions on how to maintain them as well.

Don’t think you have a seasoned-enough green thumb to raise a mini-forest before St. Patty’s Day? Give away packets of seeds. Bonus points for completely green colored plants like herbs such as cilantro, parsley or basil.

Instead of wearing a green shirt, wear a greener green shirt. Buy a plain, organic cotton t-shirt and dye it green using natural dyes. Boil spinach leaves and use the concentrated water to dye your shirt pale green. Or, to make a golden green color, boil the peels of golden delicious apples with the spinach.

Make invitations to your St. Patrick’s Day party by using recycled paper. Make your own recycled paper by following the directions found here. Be sure to include some bits of old green paper or dried leaves for color and effect!

Instead of drinking too much green beer, try “brewing” your own healthy, organic drink as a pick-me-up. Use a juicer, blender or food processor to combine organic vegetables. Try Dr. Oz’s (Oprah’s now-famous doctor) recipe for a green drink by blending together the following:

1 lemon (the whole thing if your appliance can handle it)
½ cup parsley, chopped
1 rib of celery
2 big handfuls of spinach
1 piece of peeled ginger
1 medium cucumber
2 apples, sliced and cored
Ice cubes to proper consistency (optional)

Best of luck to you!

Hyperlink for here: http://www.ehow.com/how_2163912_make-recycled-paper.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art