Erin Go Braugh

The saying above means Ireland forever. Even people in our midst that are not Irish tend to enjoy the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day. People wear green, decorate with green shamrocks and even drink green beer. Do you know what happens if you do not wear green on St. Patrick’s Day – You get a pinch. However, if you were to pinch a person that is wearing green you can get pinched back by that person ten times over.

So why is it only one day of the year that everyone thinks green? I am not suggesting that you dress like a leaperchaun everyday. My only question is, if you can think green for one day, why not everyday?

The Dictionary definition of green is: a colour between blue and yellow; concerned with environmental issues; unripe; envious, immature or gullible. When it comes to being “green”, which of these descriptions would you choose?

Helping to change the world by going green is one of the most important items on the agenda for 2010, and since St. Patrick’s Day is here perhaps you can celebrate by going green! This St. Patrick’s Day, the “wearing of the green” takes on more significance than ever. The earth’s climate is changing. Resources such as fresh water are under pressure. The Kyoto Protocol is about to expire with no real solution after the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen back in December.

Why not take going green to heart and plant something in your garden or plant a tree. If you are concerned about your carbon footprint you can plant trees to help offset the carbon dioxide you tend to generate annually; however, it may take more than just a couple of sprigs to do this. Another thought regarding planting is to scatter some clover seed in your garden area or lawn area. It is attractive, bee-friendly and helps hold moisture in the soil.

Did you know that the first scientific article linking the burning of fossil fuels to global warming was published in 1896 by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Svante Arrhenius. Also, the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are higher today than at any time in measurable history.

St. Patrick's Day can be a lot of fun, and it can be more then just Irish green, when you go environmentally green with your St. Patrick's Day. Admittedly, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the most elevated of occasions. It’s a tip of the hat and a green beer to Ireland and its national patron — and an opportunity for everyone, Irish or not, to have a bit of fun.

This year, why not let your St. Patrick’s Day celebration include making eco-friendly choices that can leave you with a clean (green) conscience, too? On a final note, celebrate responsibly “Don’t Drink and Drive”!