I was pleasantly surprised to see a homemade sign, at the Border’s bookstore in Palo Alto, CA that said, “ It’s Easy Bein’ Green! Consider the environment before asking for a bag with your purchase.” I wondered a few things: How did that sign make it to the checkout counter? And, did it work?

I learned that the sign was the great idea of a part-time worker who just thought it was important. No corporate manifesto, just one employee making a difference. After watching people, for about 15 minutes, make their purchases, NO ONE asked for a bag --the sign clearly works! Gradual green at work. Little by little…

I think a lot of us are working hard to get the human members of our families to go a little greener, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little eco-fun with our pets! Some of my favorite “gradual green” discoveries for pets come from West Paw Design.

Take for instance their Zogoflex dog toys: “Made from our extremely pliable, one-of-a-kind material, Zogoflex, this versatile toy is bound to give your favorite chomper hours of enjoyment GUARANTEED!” And even better: “Designed to be recyclable and to create virtually no waste during our manufacturing process.” www.westpawdesign.com

And for a fun eco, easy read, check out Eco Dog from Chronicle Books.

I was so surprised to learn this week that Wal-mart is one of the top ten organic cotton using brand/retailers in the world. When I think Wal-mart, I think “cool blue greeter vest and smiley faces,” not “organic cotton giant”! Who knew?

Here’s the top ten global list: Wal-Mart (USA), C&A (Belgium), Nike (USA), H&M (SE), Zara (Spain), Anvil (USA), Coop Switzerland, Pottery Barn (USA), Greensource (USA), and Hess Natur (Germany).

Like many others, and as a part of my “gradual green” steps, I have started buying organic cotton “stuff”. It’s easy to do and makes a difference when you consider that the production of conventional cotton is responsible for about 25% of the world’s insecticides and about 15% of the world’s pesticides.

Wal-mart here I come! Okay, not really –there’s an H&M close by…

And for online shopping, checkout the tees at http://www.greenlabel.com/

Great segment with Ed Begley, Jr. on Fox News

It's Not Easy Being Green