From Green Right Now
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. today will unveil an ambitious plan to put an eco-labal on the thousands of products in its stores that essentially tell consumers how “green” a product is. The program, if successful, could ultimately have a cascading impact across the entire retail landscape.
The worldwide sustainable product index was announced during a meeting with 1,500 of its suppliers, associates and sustainability leaders at its home office in Bentonville, Ark.
The eco-labeling program is the latest step in the evolution of the world’s largest retailer from a company once viewed as chief offender to the global leader on sustainable practices. Wal-Mart has long been known for its ability to force its suppliers to meet strict price points and other guidelines.
Now the giant retailer will tell it suppliers they must calculate and disclose the full environmental costs of making their products. Wal-Mart will then create a rating system for product sustainability similar to nutritional labels on food.
