It's an all-green issue of Weekly Dirt
It's been years since the Weekly Dirt fell on Earth Day, April 22. The last time this happened, green issues had more to do with horticulture production than environmental issues. Today, the green industry is trying to figure out realistic solutions to recycling plastic pots, grappling with drought-stressed city councils, and trying to figure out what the best retail approach to organic gardening should be. Since the topic is central to the modern green industry, the Weekly Dirt staff is devoting this edition to Earth Day.

Earth Day promotions inundate consumers
Marketers are bombarding consumers with green promotions and products celebrating Earth Day, Advertising Age reported. Activists are concerned that this yearly observance has become a marketing holiday that barely resembles the grass-roots event founded in 1970. "My concern is that some companies just view [Earth Day] as a marketing event, like Thanksgiving or Christmas," said Larry Light, chairman-CEO of Arcature, a management consulting firm. "Then they've fulfilled their obligation for the rest of the year. The whole issue of sustainability means that a commitment also has to be sustainable. If it's only for one day, then it's a marketing event."

Green products go mainstream
Mainstream retailers are making it easier for consumers to go green, The Dallas Morning News reported. J.C. Penny and Target are among the retail outlets that have increased selection of environmentally friendly merchandise. According to a recent poll, consumers are willing to pay a little more for a product that met some aspect of social responsibility, such as being energy efficient or packaged to reduce waste.

IKEA proclaims victory over plastic bags
IKEA reports that its "bag the plastic bag" program was a success, with more than 92% of customers opting for reusable options. A year ago, IKEA began an experiment to wean itself from the use of plastic bags. Customers could bring in their own reusable bags, buy a huge, reusable plastic sack from IKEA for 59 cents, or pay 5 cents for each plastic bag. All proceeds from the regular plastic bag purchase would go to American Forests for tree planting. Now the Swedish retailer has decided no paper or plastic bags will be offered in its stores come this October. Consumers will have to use reusable bags.

Natives, home-grown vegetables big trend
If the consumer press is any indication, native plants and growing vegetables at home are the 2 big gardening trends in 2008. Here are 3 typical articles from literally hundreds that have been devoted to these 2 plant categories.
• Edible front yards. ABC News
• Native plants fuel ecosystem. New York Times
• Native foundation. Idaho Statesman

Consumers note Earth Day by eating green
Earth Day is a good opportunity to learn about eating green, according to The Plain Dealer. Growing your own food, patronizing farmer's markets and choosing organic produce are among the suggestions offered in this article.

Sustainability focus of Wal-Mart ad buy
Wal-Mart launched what it calls "the most comprehensive environmental sustainability campaign" in company history. The effort, via The Martin Agency in Richmond, Va., includes TV, radio, Internet and print, including a 16-page insert in May issues of general-interest magazines. Seven 30-second spots focus on various areas of sustainability to support in-store efforts.

The Natural Gardener named Innovator finalist
The Natural Gardener in Austin, Texas, is among 4 garden centers that made the cut to be finalists for the 2008 Innovator Award, sponsored by Garden Center Magazine and Garden Market Expo. The Natural Gardener is one of the country's leading garden centers that specializes in sustainability. For owner John Dromgoole, retailing in a sustainable manner is a passion, not a job. A must-see for any retailer looking for ideas on how to sell green products.

View from a blog
• Do employees with children deserve more breaks, or are they just playing the child card? Open Register
• What's going on with bees? Jyme Mariani tries to find out. Project: Green Industry