This St. Patrick's Day, the "wearing of the green" takes on more significance than ever. The Earth's climate is changing. Resources are under pressure — petroleum, in particular — but also basics like clean water. Enormous disparities in food, medical care and housing exist between East and West; between the Northern Hemisphere, and the South.

 

At least people are starting to pay attention. Bit by bit, the world is going green. And what better way to celebrate eco-progress than on that greenest of holidays, St. Patrick's Day?

 

Admittedly, St. Patrick's Day isn't the most elevated of occasions. It's a tip of the hat to Ireland and its national patron — and an opportunity for everyone, Irish or not, to have a bit of fun. That's the spirit in which we present this list of ways to "green" your St. Patrick's Day.

 

So settle in for a bit of Earth-friendly blarney, and let's green our St. Patrick's Day festivities.

 

What's St. Patrick's Day without a mug or two of beer? Beer is one of humankind's most ancient inventions, probably discovered when soaked grains fermented in the presence of airborne yeast spores. The process has certainly become more sophisticated over the centuries, giving rise to any number of beer tastes and styles. But it's all basically the same stuff: water plus grain plus yeast equals a fun night at the local pub with your mates.

 

Good luck separating an Irishman from his Guinness. Its rich, chocolatey body is ubiquitous in all corners of Irish society (and much of the United Kingdom, for that matter). Quite a few pints will be hoisted this week in honor of St. Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland.

 

Consumer interest in organic foods has certainly caught the eye of most beer manufacturers, which are now producing a broad assortment of brews produced with ingredients that meet organic production standards. Even giants like Anheuser-Busch have gotten into the act.

 

But one company bucking the trend is Guinness. Given its domination of the Irish market, if you're looking for an organic St. Patrick's libation, you'll have to look elsewhere.

 

An obvious choice for fans of traditional stouts would be Whole Foods' Old Plowshare Stout. It's brewed by California's North Coast Brewing Company, a pioneer in organic beers. There's also Peak Organic Beers in a variety of styles ranging from pale to amber ales. The good news is that your local health food store or well-supplied beer seller is likely to have an organic brew to meet your tastes. Just be sure someone is functioning as the Designated Leprechaun before getting behind the wheel.

 

It's a great time to be an eco-friendly consumer. Not only are organic foods finally filtering their way down to your local big-box grocery, it's easier than ever before to find quality organic clothing.

 

Growing cotton takes a tremendous toll on the earth in terms of water use and the sheer tonnage of pesticides used to keep conventional fields healthy. But that's not the only way to farm cotton, one of humankind's best-loved and versatile fibers. Sustainable cotton production addresses these concerns, seeking reasonable yields which are better for the land and the people who work it.

 

Wear the green all year long. Most major clothing companies — even Levi's — now carry an organic line or two. Looking for something organic with an Irish touch? Try this shamrock beauty from OfflineTshirts.com. It'll bring good luck to you and the Earth.

 

There's little debate over the impact of livestock farming on the environment. The average cattle ranch can produce as much sewage runoff as a small city. It takes about 16 pounds of grain or soy feed to produce a single pound of beef, and irrigation associated with livestock production accounts for around half of all the consumed water in the United States. The story is similar for the farming of chickens, pigs and other animals that find their way into the human food chain.

 

So cutting back on meat consumption is an earth-friendly choice. And there's no reason to let traditionally meat-heavy Irish cooking get your way.

 

Try your hand at producing a veggie version of an old classic, Beef and Guinness Stew. You'll find an easy recipe at About.com which substitutes seitan — a wheat gluten food — for the dish's conventional ingredients. TheFoody.com has a delicious (and meat-free) version of Irish Vegetable Stew and there are all manner of veggie "bangers" available at your local health or whole foods store just waiting to be fried.

 

Wash it all down with one of those organic beers. Irish eyes are smiling.

 

Seems obvious, doesn't it? If you're green at heart, put some green in your garden. Or you can pay to have something planted where it will do the most good.

 

If you're concerned about your carbon footprint — the amount of carbon dioxide generated annually as the result of your person consumption — become a modern Johnny Appleseed and put down some trees. As little as $90 is enough to plant 900 trees, more than enough to cover your annual generation of carbon dioxide.

 

For a St. Patrick's Day twist, scatter some organic clover seed in your garden. It's attractive, bee-friendly, and helps hold moisture into the soil.

 

If you're thankful for your Irish heritage or just want to sew a little good karma in the Emerald Isle, find an Irish charity and lend them a hand. Most of the major international groups have an Irish presence. Habitat for Humanity is one example. You can also find a list of regional organizations at IndexIreland.com.

 

There's a start on greening your St. Patrick's Day. Can you think of more? Share them in our comments.

 

And, as the Irish say, Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh! ("St. Patrick's Day blessings upon you!")

 

Copyright Lighter Footstep 2010

 

See also:

• St. Patrick's Day quotes