Green, The Hottest Trend

Going green is the hottest, trendiest thing right now. You can't open a magazine or turn on the TV without hearing something about going green, green vehicles, or green living tips.

Celebrities are really getting into the green lifestyle sporting their eco-couture hemp or peace silk gowns, organic cotton t-shirts and organic denim jeans. Plus they rave about eating totally organic meals and planning big green gala events. Oh and whatever isn't green, they'll just fork over some more dough and offset it with carbon credits.

And you know what, I'm all for it. It is about time that something cool, hip and trendy actually serves a purpose for the greater good.

Yes, I think it is a little ironic and maybe hypocritical that all the sudden some of the biggest green supporters are the big companies that may have played a major role in some of our environmental problems to begin with, like auto manufacturers, chemical makers, and big chain stores but I suppose it is the end result that really matters, right?

Sure some of these companies have polluted the environment, used up vast amounts of natural resources, and filled our homes with junk (sometimes toxic junk) but now that they are going green it should make up for the past. Hmm? Maybe, maybe not.

Mostly I don't think a lot of the companies are going green out of the goodness of their hearts. I think it is more out of the necessity to keep their bank accounts full of another type of green.

Times are changing and it has become clear that we have to change our ways before it is too late. Consumers are becoming more aware of the dangers of global warming, dwindling natural resources, and the damage mother earth has suffered in the name of progress and technology. Consumers are demading responsible products so companies have to give them what they want or lose business.

I think the future holds more stringent rules and regulations, perhaps even laws regarding chemicals and ingredients used in anything and everything. The toxic lead paint toy scandal, then lead in lipsticks, now hazardous chemicals in baby products...has lead us to see that nothing is safe, everything is being examined more closely and consumers want products that are safe, not riddled with cancer causing toxins.

Now more companies and brands are going green. They are introducing green products and entire lines of environmentally friendly cleaners, cosmetics, clothing, and more. Some big grocery stores have even added their own line of organic foods. Meijer and Wal-Mart have their own organic line. Clorox has partnered with the Sierra club for a line of green cleaning products, plus Clorox bought the big time green company Burt's Bees, Tide and Arm and Hammer both have phosphate free laundry soap and Physician's Formula cosmetics just launched an organic line of cosmetics.

The winds of change are blowing green our way. Whatever needs to be done, the end result is what we need. Let the companies make good by going green, but don't forget to support the companies that have always been green like Seventh Generation, BiOKleen, and Gaiam. They were green when green wasn't cool.

It really is about time a trend is about something that matters. Being green is trendy but it is also necessary, for everyone.