Earth Day Inspires Greens   

Banana Republic flaunts exquisite style in their Green Collection. With  more than 30 pieces for women and 15 for men, the fabrics are exotic yet sustainable. The new clothing line features accessible design priced (from $18 – $150) in eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, soy silk, organic cotton and spandex.

We found their halter dress, made of braided hemp straps--ultra-chic. Instead of using polyester or other synthetic materials, the bodice gives way to brassiere pads, fashioned from foam rubber. 

Also, Banana Republic is donating 1 percent of all sales from April 22nd to the 27th, to the Trust for Public Land, a non-for-profit urban conservation program. 

As usual Circuit City demonstrates their appropriateness and their knack for consumer anticipation. This Earth Day, the electronic retailer launched a new online tool to simplify how consumers shop for products conducive for the environment or items approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an additional recycling incentive, Circuit City offers a gift card in exchange for outmoded electronics and old technology.

Google is promoting a convoluted, “grass root” make-a-donation program. The initiative entails contributing on behalf of another person. In turn, Google charts a map of each donation; thus, demonstrating the spread of “generosity.” This Earth Day commemoration seems more like a viral marketing experiment. Here's the link to Google: www.google.com/earthday08

Macy's

Turn Over A New Leaf campaign is Macy’s way of creating environmental awareness. Rumor has it that the first  00 customers  of each store in the United States will receive a free gift-today. Events as well as a number of special promotions are taking place at the department store. To demonstrate a commitment to the environment, the Macy’s in San Jose, is powered by a solar energy system.

Office Depot touts its green side. From Green Seal certified, to Energy Star qualified, Office Depot’s inventory includes an extensive selection of recycled school supplies and office goods:

● Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)

● Remanufactured ink file folders

● Recycled paper

● Notebooks

● Toner cartridges

● And more

After a year of tens of thousands of recalls on lead poisoning, magnetic scares and other toy issues, Toys “R” Us rolls out an eco-friendly product line this month. The proprietary collection features everything from wooden toys, organic cotton dolls to natural cotton plush animals. Toys are packaged in a box branded with the words: “Recycle, Renew, Reuse, Re-think.”