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There's growing talk about the idea of a footprint not literally, but in the environmental sense: How many resources were used to make the product? How is it packaged? How was it distributed, and how far did it have to travel? As consumers become more attuned to all the aspects of the whole health lifestyle, they're beginning to ask more questions like these, and it might be time for retailers and

There's growing talk about the idea of a footprint — not literally, but in the environmental sense: How many resources were used to make the product? How is it packaged? How was it distributed, and how far did it have to travel?

As consumers become more attuned to all the aspects of the whole health lifestyle, they're beginning to ask more questions like these, and it might be time for retailers and their manufacturer partners to think about possible answers.

“We're going to see a climate footprint statement on the package, just like the Nutrition Facts panel,” said Gary Hirshberg, president and chief executive of Stonyfield Farm yogurt, and a footprint proponent. “We have to start thinking about the impact packaging and waste has on the environment.”

Others in the industry refer to an ecological footprint. But whatever words are used, the idea that there should be a zero-sum balance between the creation of a product and its impact on the ecosystem is sure to strengthen the overall discussion of sustainability and resources.