Green isn’t just the symbol of wealth and the Irish. It also represents health - both your own and the planet’s. So while everyone else is wearing green clothing or drinking unnaturally green beverages on St. Paddy’s Day, you can “green” your world in a more meaningful way every day with these tips.

Your Green Shopping Cart
If you know what to look for, there are more green options in supermarkets than ever before. Most straightforward are the greens themselves - spinach, kale, Swiss chard, turnip, mustard, etc. Researchers say the nutrients in these leaves may help fight cancer, diabetes, and heart disease and boost bone strength and vision. Likewise, green tea - either hot or cold - is one of the most healthful things you can sip. It contains powerful antioxidants that have been shown to discourage arthritis, allergies, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and weight gain. When deciding whether to pay more for organic produce, keep in mind that peaches, apples, strawberries, celery, and bell peppers generally have the highest pesticide levels.

And when it comes to drinking water, it’s kindest on the environment to use a metal or BPA-free plastic container you refill at the tap.

Your Green Home
Because of better insulation and less ventilation, the Environmental Protection Agency warns that pollutant levels in your home can be two to five times higher than outdoors. Beyond such obvious culprits as tobacco smoke and allergens, you may be surprised to learn that many everyday products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause headaches and respiratory problems. When repainting, choose a low- or no-VOC brand. When buying new carpet, have it unrolled and aired for two weeks prior to installation. When replacing a shower curtain, skip vinyl (PVC) brands that off-gas chemicals. And when masking household odors, avoid commercial VOC-laden air fresheners. Instead, mix about 30 drops of your favorite essential oil with 3 ounces of distilled water in a spray-bottle.

Your Green Pet
That’s right, pets can be eco-friendly too. Instead of adding more plastic bags to landfills, check your local pet store for biodegradable waste bags. Likewise, switch to a biodegradable brand of cat litter that can be put in a compost bin, if you have one. And avoid flea collars, which emit pesticides that can be a health risk to you and your children. Ask your vet about spot-application flea treatments instead.