The Green Standard

Who knew that Kermit could be so trendy? If you'll forgive me for stating the single most overused cliché in media today, it's easy being green, right?

Now, as a Muppet devotee since my wee years, I fully support Kermit's re-emergence. But I think he had it right all those years ago ... It's not easy being green.

Sure, there are lots of easy ways to lead more eco-friendly lives. I think all the "10 little things you can do to save the planet" are great.

But when it comes to the business side of things, being green — and what that actually means — is no simple matter.

Lots of us have changed our light bulbs, recycled and reused, and turned up the thermostat. But are we really changing our buying habits, particularly when it comes to decorative items for our homes?

And are mainstream consumers willing to pay the added price for these green goods? Who even knows what green is? There are few existing standards, and the term green is being tossed around markets and showrooms almost arbitrarily.

Can something imported be green if it has to be shipped halfway around the planet? What about if the factories that build the so-called green items aren't energy efficient? Or if the farming implements used to harvest the eco-friendly fibers are polluters?

So many questions, and I'm definitely not here to provide the answers.

However, with this issue, we jump into the discussion about how green is growing in the home accents industry. Our major feature addresses how retailers, vendors and market organizers tell us they are dealing with ecological issues and takes a look at the various organizations working to make a difference. Our Designer Insight panel weighs in, and Susan Dickenson's Retail Update reports on how retailers are using new technology and recycling techniques. We also take a look at some green products in the marketplace. There are a lot of people in the business who are excited about getting on the green track, and you will meet many of them in this issue.

There's controversy — that much is certain. But debate leads to ideas and ideas to answers. We think it's time to start talking.

What do you think? Visit us at HomeAccentsToday.com and use our new Talkback feature to offer your insights.