All at once, it dawned on me that being "green" is once again cool. It's been a quiet transition, and one that not everyone is inclined to make. However, between November's elections and more subtle signs, it seems that environmentalism is no longer hush-hush. Perhaps we realize it is OK - even cool - to turn off the computer, the printer and other electronics when we're not using them. It's possible we're bold enough to say "Hey, I drive alone; why do I need an SUV and why should I pay for all that gas anyway?" Maybe people are wondering why we got to the point of having E. coli on our spinach and asthma-inducing smog on our playgrounds. Eco-marketing and Greenpeace sound bites aside, we do need some big changes. We need alternate energy sources, progress on Global Climate Change, fisheries and ocean protection, worldwide environmental standards and fully funded environmental programs. All of these are difficult, complex things we need to undertake. In the meantime, whip out those canvas shopping bags the next time you're at the market and know that someone is probably watching you and thinking, cool. » original news