My Green Life

I just read a pretty interesting article in the Christian Science Monitor that went into more depth on a story I heard on the radio yesterday. Now, I’m not sure if this is just some PR blitz (which I’m sure it is to some extent) or if Wal-Mart is really taking an interest in becoming more environmentally friendly, but, whatever the motivation, Wal-mart has begun developing a method to compile and present on the packaging the environmental impact of each of the goods sold. They plan to rate factors such as emissions and water conservation in order to better inform the consumer so he/she can make more educated decisions on what to purchase. The software they are funding could then be utilized by other companies that are interested in displaying that information. I think this is a revolutionary concept, but I do wonder the impact it will have. Will Wal-Mart shoppers even bother to consider the environmental impact of a product, or will they just look for the yellow price tag? Also, will businesses be inspired to change their detrimental practices if they are aware that people could be judging the product not only on its durability and function, but its sustainability? I, like many others, am still skeptical about Wal-Mart’s business practices, but this seems to be a step in the right direction in winning back some respect from the environmentalists.