The Green movement has affected the music industry and has created a new following among the hip hop generation. "As hip hop gets back to the basics, 'the Green movement' is cultivating a change and becoming more mainstream instead of underground," said Belle Young, 25, a senior health science student from Gainesville, Georgia. Hip hop was initiated as a cultural movement by inner-city youth, mostly by African-Americans in New York City, in the early seventies. Since then, hip hop has become international and evolved into a way of life for an entire generation, from fashion and language to a way of thinking.

A new national survey released today, one of four annual surveys conducted by The Shelton Group, finds most Americans are trying to buy more green products, but not at the expense of convenience or comfort. And most Americans wouldn’t give up their iPod, microwave oven, air conditioning, cell phone or computer, even if they thought it harmed the environment.

New research conducted by EnviroMedia Social Marketing indicates young Americans, an estimated audience of 76 million people, will power the new green economy and are the key to future economic growth.

This national opinion poll reveals a clear generation gap in understanding the cause of climate change — and marketing experts say businesses that pay attention may find new growth strategies.

More than any other age group, 18- to 34-year-olds believe global warming is caused by human activities. Additionally, the research indicates Americans who believe in this connection are almost twice as likely to buy more green products in this economy than Americans who believe it occurs naturally.

Online retailing will continue to grow this holiday season, with a record 71 percent of consumers spending at least part of their holiday budgets on the Internet, according to Deloitte's 23rd Annual Holiday Survey of retail spending and trends. This figure is up five percentage points from 2004.

This popular medium for holiday gift shopping ranked #2 this year, behind discount department stores. More than one in five consumers (21 percent) surveyed plan to shop primarily or entirely online this holiday season (up from 19 percent last year), and almost one-quarter (24 percent) of total dollars are expected to be spent on the Internet, compared with 22 percent last year and only 19 percent in 2004.

One errant cough or unexpected sneeze and the workplace becomes a veritable breeding ground of illness and resulting absenteeism. As the flu season approaches, HR managers prepare to deal with the headache of decreasing productivity. The World Health Organization estimates that the cost of influenza to the U.S. economy in terms of health care costs and lost productivity can range from $71 billion to $167 billion a year.

"Going green" may be all the rage in 2008, but in the form of cleaning, it has proven a significant means to ameliorate the negative effects of illness in the workplace. It is also an inexpensive, effective way to improve the overall health of a building.

Evidence is on the dinner table that the nation's stifling economy and rising food prices hits Southern families close to home. The South* is facing the highest price increase in the grocery aisles since 1990 -- a 7.9 percent increase since last year, according to the most recent Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With food budgets stretched thin, money-conscious consumers can rely on products from companies, such as Glory Foods to save time and money without sacrificing premium Southern-style taste.

Planning a family reunion? Make your gathering more eco-friendly with these simple tips, developed by the family vacation experts at the Antlers at Vail hotel:

• Water Mark -- Staying hydrated is always important, but it's critical at high altitudes like Vail's 8150 feet. Consider providing family members with refillable water bottles when they arrive. Check the bottle's recycling symbol; safe, non-toxic plastic options include 2 (high density polyethylene), 4 (low density polyethylene) or 5 (polypropylene).
• Walk the Walk -- Hold your reunion near plenty of attractions and activities to reduce driving - and appeal to family members of all ages. In Vail, there are numerous shops, restaurants, galleries, bike trails and more within walking distance of the Antlers; a free, energy-efficient shuttle bus also stops throughout the village.

Find out 5 more helpful tips after the jump.

In cities like Los Angeles, where the car is king, the thought of commuters leaving their vehicle keys behind and opting for public transportation once seemed unimaginable. But The Los Angeles Times recently reported commuter rail use has reached record numbers.

During one Tuesday in May, L.A.'s Metrolink reported its highest ridership at 50,232 passengers, which was a 15.6% jump over the previous year. Meanwhile, the California Department of Transportation reports drops in freeway traffic compared to last year's figures.

The rules of the road are changing. And high gas prices, traffic congestion, and environmental awareness are altering the real estate landscape. The result is that more people are looking to work closer to home, not only because commuting is becoming more expensive, but also because of growing concern over car-centered life and its impact on global warming.

Dog Fancy offers dog owners 10 easy suggestions to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle with their dog in their August 2008 issue.

Eco-friendly ways dog owners can help shrink their dog's carbon paw print include:

• Make organic food choices. Feed your canine companion an all-natural diet, such as raw vegetables, fruit and natural foods that limit the use of additives and processed fillers.
• Use natural household cleane
• More details after the jump.

Sprig.com adds new features, columns and online tools to inspire readers to easily integrate beautiful green choices into their daily lives. Brand new content—breaking news, actionable fashion and beauty tips, and celebrity scoop—and interactive features, including the ability to share, bookmark and comment on stories and products, will help readers take easy steps towards a more beautiful, stylish and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Planet Green officially opens for business with the premiere of RENOVATION NATION, the ultimate how-to guide for making your home earth-friendly. The tricks of the trade for the green home building movement are revealed when Emmy Award-winning host and handyman Steve Thomas brings viewers into the exciting world of green renovations. In this daily hour-long series, Thomas, known to viewers as handyman and host of This Old House, meets with eco-sensitive homeowners and builders who are making the choice to go green. Thomas shares the secrets of making environmentally responsible transformations by teaching homeowners and viewers alike which materials and designs encourage energy efficiency, while also providing tips on making the process as affordable and simple as possible. A sneak preview of RENOVATION NATION airs Wednesday, June 4, at 9:30 PM ET, when Discovery Home Channel becomes Planet Green. RENOVATION NATION officially premieres Friday, June 6, at 8:00 PM ET and can also be seen Mondays through Thursdays at 6:00 PM ET beginning June 5.

Summer is the perfect time to combine a green thumb with a green lifestyle. By following these simple tips, homeowners can save time and money, and improve the health and appearance of their lawn and garden.

• Mow regularly and leave the clippings on the lawn - the clippings will recycle into "free fertilizer."
• Water deeply, but infrequently, to prevent lawn disease and save water.
• Mulch flower and vegetable beds with compost or grass clippings to conserve water and control weeds.
• Identify bugs before you spray, squash or stomp - most bugs are good bugs, not pests.
• Consider planting native trees and plants, especially ones with berries, fruits and flowers to invite birds, butterflies, and other wildlife into your yard.

For more information on greenscaping, check out EPA's GreenScapes Web site. It includes a seasonal tips calendar on landscape maintenance and a pamphlet that provides cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for large-scale landscapers and homeowners.