Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day: Clean and Green

March 13, 2024

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many are eager to don green attire. I have a green T-shirt, a St. Patrick’s Day bowler hat (or is that called a derby?), a green shirt with a four-leaf clover that says Lucky Shirt and green socks covered with Leprechauns.

However, there’s more to being green than the color. At Bar Keepers Friend, we think it’s important to consider (and celebrate) the environmental impact of being green. So, this St. Patrick’s Day, let’s make a conscious effort to embrace green – not only in color, but also in our actions.  

When I first visited the Bar Keepers Friend facility, I had the pleasure of chatting with Paul SerVaas, president of SerVaas Laboratories.  Several giant aluminum tanks outside the building took me aback. I learned they captured rainwater.

Going Green Year Round 

Back in 2018, Bar Keepers Friend began harvesting rainwater with the goal of using fewer resources. BKF has six tanks that hold 3,500 gallons each for 39,000 gallons. I asked Paul how many gallons a year they harvested, and he said, “Prior to adding on to our building in 2020, we captured 500,000 gallons per year. After adding more “roof to capture water,” we are up to about 750,000 gallons per year.” The water is filtered, cleaned, and recycled into Bar Keepers Friend products.

The best part is that you, too, can contribute to a greener world. Here are some eco-friendly tips to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day sustainably.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Clean and Green

Green Decorations

Instead of purchasing plastic decorations that will end up in landfills, opt for eco-friendly alternatives. Decorate your space with reusable items such as potted plants, homemade banners from recycled materials, or natural decorations like flowers.

Sustainable Attire

Choose green attire made from organic or sustainable materials. Consider shopping at thrift stores for second-hand clothing or swapping outfits with friends to reduce the demand for new garments. By reusing and recycling, you can minimize your wardrobe’s environmental footprint.

Eco-Friendly Dining

When planning your St. Patrick’s Day menu, prioritize locally sourced and organic ingredients. Support local farmers and markets by incorporating seasonal produce into your dishes. Consider serving vegetarian or vegan options to reduce the carbon footprint associated with meat production.

I’m into making fresh kale chips. Let me know if you want my recipe.

Waste Reduction

Use reusable utensils, plates, and cups for your festivities to minimize single-use plastics and paper products. If disposables are necessary, choose biodegradable or compostable alternatives. Encourage guests to bring containers for leftovers to reduce food waste.

I started carrying paper bags and a couple of boxes in my car, so when I go to the grocery store, I don’t use plastic bags. I put everything in the cart and empty it into paper bags and boxes in my car. It works great.

Sustainable Transportation

If attending parades or events, carpool with friends or use public transportation to reduce emissions. Alternatively, consider walking or biking to nearby celebrations to minimize your carbon footprint. Embracing eco-friendly transportation options can make a significant difference in reducing air pollution and congestion.

In the summer, I bike quite a bit. I like hanging out at Main Street Speedway, IN, and it only takes me about 15 minutes to bike there.

Eco-Conscious Activities

Engage in green-themed activities that promote environmental awareness. Plant trees, participate in community clean-up events, or organize a clothing swap to give new life to old garments. Incorporating sustainable practices into your celebrations can foster a deeper connection to nature and inspire others to do the same.

Here’s one example: Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. You may be able to find the same in your area.

Green Cleaning

If you’re going to clean for St Patty’s Day, keep it green by using BKFs environmentally friendly products. Our products are VOC and chlorine-free, and we use recycled materials. Here’s more on BKFs Environmental Stewardship.

Keepin’ it Green 

This St. Patrick’s Day, let’s honor the spirit of the holiday by embracing green practices that benefit both our communities and the planet. By making conscious choices in our decorations, attire, dining, transportation, and activities, we can celebrate in a way that respects and preserves the environment for future generations. Let’s raise a toast to a more sustainable and eco-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

Remember, even small actions contribute to a greener, more sustainable world. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Have fun, stay safe, and be mean and clean green.

About the Author

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek and on weekends (after COVID-19) he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.