Wal-Mart proposes to advance sustainability

The extent to which a proposed Wal-Mart program will advance sustainability, benefit the environment or the U.S. economy is unknown. Advocating solar-powered livestock housing, using locally grown feed ingredients, recycling manure and installing methane digesters for ruminant operations promises "green results." However, these moves are incompatible with many aspects of intensive livestock production in the U.S. Effectively, high-density egg production has been shown to be environmentally superior to free-range systems.
The first phase of the Wal-Mart program will take the form of a detailed questionnaire. In the second phase, universities and non-governmental organizations will recommend steps relating to conservation and reducing the carbon footprint of production units. Finally, a numeric score that informs customers of the specific environmental attributes of food products will be developed.
However, questions as to whether the same standards will apply to the vast quantity of items imported by Wal-Mart from China have been raised. The question of sustainability and carbon footprint should also take into account the extensive rail system and the major waterways, which effectively reduce transport costs and consumption of resources.