Make It A Green St. Patrick's Day

The color of St. Patrick's Day is undeniably green. People parade around in green clothing, paint themselves green, eat green foods and drink green beer. While the color takes center stage every March 17, it's also come to represent eco-living.

There are tons of ways we can be green every day, but NaturallySavvy is offering up three simple ways to completely embody green, in both the Irish and environmental senses of the word on St. Patty's Day.

Wear Green

Sure you want to dress to the nines in your green shirt (and maybe even pants), but why not wear truly green clothing by making sure they are organic or recycled cotton. It's better for the planet, which is sure to bring good some luck in the coming year, plus it's something you can wear year-round. When it comes to those wacky hats and decorations, just say no to disposable party gear. Instead, opt for green beads and hats that can be worn for years to come. And if you're going the painted face route, use organic or natural cosmetics rather than petroleum-based face paints.

Drink Green

Sure the beer is tinted green on St. Patty's Day, but what we mean by green beer is local organic beer. A local organic brewery bar is as green as you can get, since the beer has a low carbon footprint and the ingredients are free of pesticides and other chemicals. At the very least, make sure a local or organic brew is on tap at your local pub. And don't forget to consider the little things, like the container your beer comes in (no disposable cups, okay?).

Go Home Green

After you have a few drinks you won't be driving home. Walking is great if you're close to home, but sometimes you just need to take a taxi. While they're not exactly eco-friendly, you can make the cab ride gentler on the earth by taking the shortest route, splitting a cab with friends if you're headed in the same general direction and paying with cash to cut down on idling time. If you're lucky enough to live in a city with a cab fleet that uses hybrid cars, give the green company your business. If your principles won't let you take a cab, check out public transit options. If you live in a bigger city, luck may be on your side since many extend public transit hours on March 17 to make sure everyone gets home safely. Just be sure to check transit hours before heading out for the night.

Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of NaturallySavvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.