Attention shoppers: Zero landfill corn chips are now available in aisle nine.

Great article by Kate Rockwood in the new Fast Company on Walmart's Sustainability Index.

What caught my eye was a quote from the Walmart SVP of Sustainability, Matt Kistler. He said of this initiative, "it is creating a new level of competition in ways that, historically manufacturers have not competed." Kistler went on to confirm that high-scoring products will earn preferential treatment -- and likely more shelf space -- in Walmart stores.

There. It's official. In addition to how well your product does what its supposed to do and how much it costs, there will soon be a third horse in the marketing race - the impact of the product (and company that makes it) on our planet and society. Shoppers won't be at the mercy of "greened-up" packaging or vague sustainability claims thanks to this quantified and verified index.

Will a killer carbon footprint rating trump a super Sunday supplement coupon offer? We'll have to wait a little longer to find out but thanks to Walmart's clout, it looks like this is really going to happen.

Read the article here.