On St. Patrick's Day, everything comes up green ... rivers, clothing, and even food! You and your family can use this traditional holiday to bring some more green to your daily living. Families who take little steps to "go green" help reduce harm to the environment by making little changes to reduce, reuse, or recycle.
Here are a few ideas to help you "Go Green" this holiday and all year round:
Grocery shop with reusable bags to reduce the amount of plastic you consume. A single plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to degrade and it remains toxic even after it breaks down. Plastic bags are the second most common type of trash found in our oceans (cigarette butts are first).
Organize your recyclables at home. Simple bins or boxes labeled glass, aluminum, and paper can go a long way in eliminating excess waste in your home. Many recycling places pay money when you bring these materials in, so it's a win-win!
Go to the library to borrow books, movies, and music instead of always buying new.
Ride with others to school, soccer practice, dance class, or anywhere else a group of you needs to go!
Electronics (TVs, game systems, chargers, etc.) and lights should be unplugged or turned off when not in use or when you are not in the room.
Eat locally grown foods. Plant your own garden or look for farmers' markets in your area where you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
New toys, games, and clothes making their way into your house? Donate or consign the old (instead of just throwing them away) so that they can be played with and used again.
See? Whether you're Irish or not, it can be easy to be green on March 17th and all year long!
