I consider myself to be quite environmentally conscious. But since I became the owner of an adorable puppy that eats anything in its path - and frantically scramble to pick up any trash on the sidewalk that he might eat - I've become acutely aware of the amount of garbage that we produce, so cavalierly discard, and the impact that it has on others.

"Going green" is being touted loud and clear these days. However, according to a study conducted by Cone Communications earlier this year, people aren't so quick to buy into products' claims of "greenness." In fact, consumer trust of green claims has decreased by 12% since 2008. Surveys have shown that consumers are increasingly turned off because of the price, skepticism, and confusion that surround green products.