Green Daily

I'm not one to tout consumerism as part of green living. But I'll go a little crazy since it's Earth Day and what's Earth Day without shameless promotion for the sake of our planet?

My favorite mainstream green retailer, alongside my local health food stores -- yes, plural -- and farmer's market is The Body Shop. Of course they are touting themselves today. The company has been around for for 32 years, dare I say much longer than most who have jumped on the green bandwagon? They use recycled packaging (although they lose points for abandoning refill service several years ago.) They claim to promote energy efficiency throughout the company's corporate offices and incorporate a green philosophy into the design of new stores. Plus, the company has made a commitment to being a Carbon Neutral retailer by 2010. They also support community trade and Farm Aid.

Basically, shopping there is about as conscientious as you're going to get in the mall.

Beyond that, they make good stuff at mostly fair prices. I love their makeup, especially the Ultra Smooth Liquid Concealer, and moisturizers, especially the Daily Eye Treatment with Kinetin. I'm getting old! They have divine fragrances and stuff made with hemp, too.

So, those are my props for The Body Shop and my sole promotion for the day. Happy Earth Day!