Final answer:
Stan's conclusion that his second purchase had a lesser impact on his ecological footprint is best supported by the statement that the second batch of carrots had a lower carbon footprint due to transportation, as this directly affects the measurement of an ecological footprint.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which statement supports the conclusion that Stan's second purchase of carrots caused a lesser increase in his ecological footprint. Considering the factors that contribute to ecological footprints, such as sustainable farming methods, carbon emissions due to transportation, and the use of pesticides, the most appropriate answer is:
C) Stan's second purchase of carrots had a lower carbon footprint due to transportation.
This option directly relates to the reduction in carbon emissions, which is a significant factor in measuring an individual's ecological footprint. Compared to factors like the quantity of carrots consumed or pesticide use, transportation emissions are a more direct measure of change in ecological footprint from one purchase to the next.