Despite the title, this is NOT about celebrating St. Paddy's Day in Carlsbad.

Although no doubt folks are, and Carlsbad IS green. And getting greener. THAT'S what this is about.

Happy St .Patrick's Day, however, before I digress too far.

The fact that Carlsbad IS green is readily apparent from the newest issue of the Carlsbad magazine. Thankfully, the green-ness of Carlsbad is so much more in evidence as one digs around. But I was heartened to see this celebration of Carlsbad greenery.

Here are some of the things that are particularly relevant and noteworthy.

TAKE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE APTERA. The Aptera 2e is a battery powered (electric car) built by the company of the same name, Aptera Motors, right here in Carlsbad. You can go up to 120 miles on one battery charge - you plug it in at night and a few hours later you are ready to go, at up to 90 mph. This is a very futuristic, and very cool, looking car that is also highly efficient in the wind. A number of cars have already been ordered and will start appearing on the roads late this year. Room for two passengers and a couple of surfboards.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS - a number of local schools have developed recycling programs with many of the school kids participating, bringing things from home. The items that can be returned to the recycling center for money (can, bottles) raise funds for the schools.

SC BLUWOOD (hmm, is it SC for Southern California BluWood or SC for Steve Conboy, the founder?) - you can read my recent article, When Blue is Really Green, about the blue "green " wood treatment product distributed by this Carlsbad company that is environmentally sensitive, and protects against termite, wood rot and mold.

SPAS - not the kind you dip in but those that pamper body and mind. There are several I understand that are particularly known for their green approach to spa treatments...Spa Samudra, in Carlsbad Village is one. Ocean Pearl Spa at the Sheraton resort in Carlsbad is another. And Eufora hair care products, based in Carlsbad (they use sustainable packaging and encourage recycling from their salon clients) is making great headway (pardon the pun) with area hair salons.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - installed 23 Solatubes (with more planned) in its facility resulting in hundreds of dollars of savings in its energy bill. They also have a 2-year green audit and green certification program to help chamber members assess where they currently are in terms of sustainable practices and to help them improve.

CITY OF CARLSBAD - several programs deserve mention: (1) the Storm Water Protection Program; (2) Water Conservation; and (3) Solid Waste Disposal (through Waste Management and Clean Harbors).

SEASHELL AWNINGS - need shade protection. These environmental awnings (the product line comes from Australia and came to Carlsbad in 2008) are self-retractable (90, 180, 270 and 260 degrees); frames are made from recycled aluminum and the fabric is sail material coated with waterproof PVC.

Some nearby greeny things to know about:

• The Sanderling Waldorf School - this school has a reputation as a leader in "environmental stewardship" with natural class material, beach clean-up days, organic snacks, food waste composting and more. Read about the Sanderling Waldorf School here.
  
• The San Elijo Lagoon Visitors Center in Cardiff - wonderful views of this beautiful lagoon from an eco-friendly newly built facility.