The intent of St. Patrick's Day, according to its historical origin is to offer a time of spiritual renewal. Today, the mainstream celebration of this holiday includes wearing green, pinching people who aren't wearing green, and talk of leprechauns and pots of gold. This is truly a holiday to celebrate and to enjoy. And, this year, we can all celebrate in earth-friendly ways.

When you plan your St. Patrick's Day party, be sure to use natural decor throughout your home. Rather than buying the pre-cut shiny plastic shamrocks sold in party stores opt for real plants in your home. You will have the green color you need for the party, but without the non-earth-friendly plastic.

Also for home decorations, enlist your children in making pots of gold from dandelions. Find any extra plant pots, vases or buckets in and around your home. Ask the children to fill these with dandelions so that the tops of the dandelions are all gathered around in bunches in the pots. Your children can place these pots and buckets of "gold" around the house as natural St. Patrick's Day decor.

A fun and natural St. Patrick's Day game includes a Shamrock search. This game is fun for the adults too. Similar to the idea of an Easter egg hunt, the goal is to find clovers. The twist in this game is to find a four-leaf or a two-leaf clover though. If the weather is not cooperative on St. Patrick's Day, you can go out ahead of time to find and pick as many two and four-leaf clovers as you can and then hide them throughout the house to move the Shamrock search indoors.

St. Patrick's Day food can also be natural. The traditional fare is corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. Be sure that all of these items are organic and try to buy this food from the local farmer's market or local farm if you can. This way you are promoting the consumption of food created without pesticides or chemicals, and you are supporting your local farms.

Last but not least, recycle all glass bottles, and compost all food and plant material that remains from your St. Patrick's Day celebration. Who knew that you can really go green on St. Patrick's Day?!