Holiday Shopping Notebook: Green products

Americans may be watching the green in their wallet more closely right now, but when it comes to buying "green," many retailers are hoping people will keep shelling out more money.

TreeHugger.com, a Web site that promotes sustainable living, is featuring "Real Green for Real People" in its holiday guide this year. The company says it wants to show people they can go green without having to spend too much more. Products to be featured include a cardboard playhouse by Kidsonroof for $50, or a squeaky Gingerbread Buddy from Planet Dog for about $10.

Plow & Hearth, a subsidiary of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, has compost crocks, which allow you to compost at home, for between $29.95 and $44.95, and organic T-shirts for $34.95.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, is also getting into the act with its eco-friendly jewelry line from Love, Earth. There are spiral circle necklaces for $48 on the company's Web site and diamond-cut bangle bracelets for $78.

Duluth Trading Co., a Wisconsin-based catalog, has eco-friendly products this year too. The company is selling a Solar Movement Watch for $99.75 that automatically recharges itself in light, both sun and artificial, and El Naturalista Iggdrasil Clogs, which feature leather uppers, recycled-cork insoles and recycled rubber outsoles for $135.