8 Ways to Go Green for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's Day is a festive holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world. By making small choices and taking simple steps, you can enjoy the holiday while also reducing your carbon footprint. Southern California Edison offers some tips to help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in an environmentally-conscious way.

Ditch your stove and oven for the day: You can whip up your favorite St. Patrick’s Day dishes like corned beef and cabbage in a slow cooker, which uses 50%-70% less energy than the stovetop or oven.
Choose green transportation: During St. Patrick's Day festivities, opt for biking or walking. Walking or biking reduces your carbon footprint and adds an element of adventure to your journey. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and scenery along the way.
Coordinate a carpool: If you’re attending celebrations with friends or family, consider coordinating a carpool. Sharing rides reduces the number of vehicles on the road and minimizes emissions. Plus, it’s a fun way to bond with fellow revelers.
Replace your lightbulbs: Ensure your St. Patrick’s Day decorations use LED lights. Swap out your incandescent bulbs for ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy and come in various colors for extra-festive flair.
Drive an electric vehicle: If you've been curious about EVs, you’re in luck because now is a great time to test drive one and learn about its benefits — from being great for the environment to keeping more green in your wallet. SCE offers several rebate programs that dramatically reduce the upfront costs of operating a new or used EV.
Take advantage of daylight saving time: If you’re celebrating the holiday at home, take advantage of the extra daylight hours and turn off unnecessary lights. Open your drapes and let the natural light into your home.

Unplug electronics or use a power strip: To save energy, remember to shut off and unplug electronics when not in use. Smart power strips can eliminate “phantom energy” by shutting off power to electronics when they’re not in use.
Maintain your air conditioner: Summer is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time to ensure your air conditioner runs at top performance. To keep cool air inside, weather stripping should be used around window frames and doors and gaps around vents should be caulked.

By incorporating these green practices, you can show off your St. Patrick's Day spirit while being kind to the planet and contributing to a more sustainable future. So, go green and make the world a better place, one shamrock at a time!

For more information on going green and clean power, visit edison.com/cleanenergy.