Green Your Spring Holidays: Persian New Year

Spring is a wonderful time to honor the earth’s fresh bounty, so it’s no surprise that many holidays fall during this season of renewal. This week, we’re giving you tips for celebrating your spring holiday of choice in planet-friendly ways.

Tip #3: Green Your Nowruz

Friday is Sizdah Bedar, the 13th day of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Several U.S. cities will hold festivities over the weekend, and families usually spend this day outdoors, picnicking and playing games. If you can incorporate a hike into that, go for it! Either way, pack organic food into reusable containers, walk (don't drive) to a local park, and enjoy everything spring has to offer.

An important Nowruz tradition involves collecting and displaying specific objects that represent rebirth and good fortune, including sprouted wheatgrass or barley, coins, apples, and vinegar. On Sizdah Bedar, participants toss the greenery in flowing water (or your compost pile) to banish bad luck. Consider keeping and using the other items, though, to reduce waste.

Share your tips: How do you green your spring holiday?