In honor of Earth Day, I can't pass up on the opportunity to take a poll.  I was thinking on the way to work today about some of the changes I have made personally since becoming heavily involved in sustainability.  The key areas of opportunity in sustainability have always been in my blood (heck, I grew up with a family that produced over half of the food they consumed in the backyard garden), but sustainability changes the way you think about your relationship with the world. 

If you are reading this blog, my bet is you know what I'm talking about.  Those who recognize the importance of sustainability typically have something in their life they can point to that taught them about their opportunity.  For the last couple years, Wal-Mart has been working to help all its associates learn and become a part of the opportunity.

All that being said, I'd like to ask you a fairly personal question.  What happened in you that made you understand better your responsibility and opportunity in sustainability.  Was it a book?  Was it a family member?  I know it isn't always one thing, but if you had to choose one that really helped you "get it," what would it be? 

Last week was Wal-Mart’s third annual expo focused on sustainable packaging.  Over 150 suppliers of packaging set up booths to educate well over 2000 direct suppliers to Wal-Mart with their buyers. 

At the show I saw some innovative new ideas that have potential to re-shape packaging.  For example, I learned about a new substrate technology that can de-laminate when you pass a current through it (imagine the possibilities for separating different metals or plastic and metal to make both raw commodities that are re-usable).  I also saw a lot of pallet technology including plastic platforms that sit at the base of large boxes named Optiledge. 

I also saw some crazy ideas that got me to thinking.  Since milk somehow keeps popping up in my blogs, I have to throw out this find.  Did you know Canadians buy their milk in bags.  One of the packaging suppliers referred us to this terribly entertaining short film on youtube.  You’ve got to watch these kids, their stars in the making, and it’s a really interesting way to reduce packaging waste.   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A28LmR-Nn8s)

Then there were some things that made me less than ecstatic.  For example, I was unpleasantly surprised to see the number of biodegradable package solutions on display.  In my opinion, a petroleum-based plastic with a few additives that make it break down is simply not a good idea.  In fact, the carbon footprint work I have seen on these substrates suggest that it’s actually a negative.  Moreover, inside a landfill there is no value to degradation, if it’s even possible.  I know these biodegradables sound promisingly easy…it makes the waste just go away…but this one is on my “not worth it” list.

So, overall I was impressed at the packaging there, and more particularly at the conversations sparking new ideas and new partnerships that will lead to more sustainable alternatives on the shelf.  Plus, I found a new favorite sustainability innovation provoking film from Canada...if you have any, please do share.