by Nancy Marshall & #TeamClimeCo | March 12, 2020

The next two holidays on our calendar are full of green – green clothes, beers, eggs and grass.  As we prepare for these two upcoming holidays, let’s take a minute to think about how we could celebrate them in a greener way.  How can we make St Patrick’s Day and Easter sustainable?

We asked our ClimeCo team to share some of their top tips on how they practice being green during these two holidays.

St Patrick’s Day

1. Reuse vs buying new. We used to live in Savannah, GA, where they hold the biggest St Patrick’s Day celebration in the entire U.S.  I save all our green clothing, beads, headbands, etc. and use it year after year.  With kids who outgrow clothing, we have often bought their shirts at consignment shops.  Choosing a simple green shirt allows you to wear them throughout the entire year.  –Nancy Marshall, Corporate Marketing Director.
   
   
2. Dust off your bikes and ride to the St Patrick’s Day activities! As an avid bike rider, I save tons on gas riding my bike, which in turns reduces auto emissions entering the atmosphere.  Don’t have a bike, get one! Riding your bike (to school, work, the store, etc.) will make you healthier and in 3-6 months. The money you saved on gas and parking has officially paid for your new bike.  –Erik Cramer, Business Development Manager (Erik rides 5 miles round-trip a day)
   
   
3. Paddy’s Day is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. I reuse my beads, shamrock headband, earrings, and shirts annually. –Dani Pingitore, Marketing Coordinator
   
   
4. Drink draft beer over bottle or can beer. Draft beer keg is the most environmentally responsible beverage package in the brewing industry today – it is returnable, refillable, and recyclable. – Justin Freeark, Project Manager, Design/Build Programs
   
   
5. If you plan to go out for St. Patrick’s Day – avoid the crowds and go local! The less you (and the products you consume) travel, the less impact you have on the environment. –Lauren Mechak, Program Manager

Easter

1. We used to host an Easter potluck at our house for about 3-4 families. Everyone would bring drinks with them for their family and we would have coolers full of cans and bottles.  I made sure we had out recycling bins so all the bottle and cans were collected after use and we could get them to our local recycling center.  –David Priddy, VP of Business Development
   
   
2. If you need to buy Easter eggs, try to find eco eggs. I have seen a handful of stores carrying plant-based Easter eggs made from 100% renewable content. –Dani Pingitore, Marketing Coordinator
   
   
3. Reuse vs buying new. With two young kids, I have bought nicely made Easter baskets and use them every year.  I also reuse our plastic eggs and Easter grass.  Instead of buying a bunch of cheap plastic bunny toys, our Easter Bunny gets my kids things they need for the summer like swimsuits, goggles, beach towels, and of course, candy.  –Nancy Marshall, Corporate Marketing Director
   
   
4. Want to dye Easter eggs? Try using natural dye from fruits, vegetables, and spices you find in your home. Natural dye is safer for the environment, your body, and the compost pile. –Zach Palm, Senior Associate, Policy & Advisory
   
   
5. Shop locally to prepare for your Easter dinner. Purchase local fruits and veggies, homemade pies, honey, and local meat. Your food will have less packaging, fresh, and supports your community. –Maria Finneran, Office Administrator

Whether you’re planning to go out for St Patrick’s Day party with friends or hosting a family dinner for Easter Sunday, try incorporating some of our fun tips and tricks and celebrate sustainably! 

About the Author

Nancy Marshall is a Corporate Marketing Director at ClimeCo. She is originally from Maryland and currently lives in Houston, Texas. She enjoys boating and fishing on Lake Livingston, cooking, baking (especially at Christmas), and crafting with vinyl.