Interesting proposition on Frito Sun Chip bags ... but ... number of thoughts arise as to whether this is really a valid sustainablity effort or just a big politically correct PR push:

a) who / how many people compost? In a landfill is this any different?

b) bag material is all well and good but what about the inks used to print on the bag - still using heavy metals or other chemical compounds not good for the compost pile I'm sure.

c) what is the energy required to make up this new type of bag compared to standard packaging?

It's interesting that you featured the packaging article because that is what I want to comment on. I have been using your pharmacy for my medication. Your pharmacy now provides it in a form that is completely excessive in packaging. I complained to the pharmacy people and they said, "that's the way our supplier gives it to us." My next refill will be back at my former pharmacy because they do not use the 6 1/2" by 3 1/2" hard plastic container with a pop-out insert for 30 little pills. If you are truly "green" this should be extremely offensive. I prefer a small bottle or cardboard box with the pop-out insert, or just a small prescription bottle. Let me know when you change this and I will be back.

 How sustainable was the lurid carpet on the eyes of the attendees?!

I'd be interested in seeing how retailers and the packaging industry copes with the idea or reuse vs recycling.

While environmentally friendlier packaging might be a marginal improvement, what are the unintended side effects of changing the mix?

For example, if plastic bags are banned, what of the people who re-use them for rubbish bags at home?  The only alternative is to then BUY plastic garbage bags - which surely can't be envrionmentally effective?

I think this is absolutely terrific! Sustainable supply chain management is the vortex of a green economy, and I'm very pleased to see Walmart, with all of its international influence, really taking the lead on this. Will phase one of sustainable supply chain managment be perfect when there are so few templates for this kind of business method? Not likely, but that is to be expected. I applaud Walmart for stepping forward on this important issue, even though all the cranky cynics would predictable come out of the woodwork to criticize.

I actually just got back in the U.S. from my annual family trip to Cabo San Lucas. My husband and I did our grocery shopping at the Walmart there, and I picked up one of the reusable grocery bags there. It says, "La bolsa verde. Por un planeta mejor. Walmart Supercenter." I carried that bag around proudly all week long, and I'm so glad to see this good news about Walmart upon arriving back in California.

Well done!