Talking Trash In honor of Earth Day, this month we look at a host of green business ideas and new market opportunities.

To say we are living in an environmentally savvy age is an epic understatement. Going green is so much more than a slick political position--it has become a part of the way we live and a major influence on the way we buy. This green wave pushes the envelope far beyond political rhetoric and environmental grandstanding straight into the heart of pop culture, fashion and business.

While it may feel very of-the-moment, the green movement is not new. It's been around in one form or another for roughly 50 years, with each generation promising a greener world and greener economy. While we may not be living in the eco-domes imagined by the green pioneers back in the 1960s, we have made strides toward the greening of our planet.

The greening of our economy? Eh, not so much. But we do see opportunity in the sector--as do VCs and other money people, who infused $7.8 billion into cleantech or renewable energy projects last year.