Wal-Mart, one of the nation’s largest retailers, is in the process of developing a comprehensive system to measure the level of sustainability for every product it sells. While it will take another year or two before consumers begin seeing sustainability labels on products, this is certainly an impressive step towards helping the public make informed purchasing decisions regarding earth-friendly products. What’s more, Wal-Mart’s sheer massiveness means that its green initiatives (as opposed to those undertaken by a smaller company, for instance) will likely have a direct effect on numerous mainstream companies and manufacturers, most of which need their products to comply with Wal-Mart’s standards (other ginormous companies including Proctor & Gamble, General Mills, Tyson, and Unilever have already expressed interest in partnering for the effort).

Rand Waddoups, Wal-Mart’s senior director of business strategy and sustainability, has some encouraging words, explaining that he hopes the new index will allow consumers to gain an understanding of the entire life process of a product–and determine whether or not that process is truly an earth-friendly one. Further, he voiced concern over the issue of greenwashing, and stated that it’s Wal-Mart’s hope to educate customers in seeing through such ploys to make informed decision when it comes to buying sustainable products.

I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about Wal-Mart, so tell me, what do you think about this move? Will it encourage you to shop at their stores if currently, you don’t?

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer