Wal-Mart Takes Sustainability Into its Own Hands
Wowzers. This article in Advertising Age absolutely delights my imagination. Apparently Wal-Mart has a set of policies that rewards suppliers who adhere to certain sustainability parameters and initiatives. These include reducing greenhouse emissions, investing in “community-development” activities, and even reducing sodium and sugar in food products!
There’s more: old Wally World is actually spearheading an initiative to create a “Sustainable Product Index” that they can slap on products. Initial going has been tough, but they are 19 months into the effort and show no signs of giving up.
Like any half-aware midwesterner I grew up nursing a wary love-hate relationship with Wal-Mart. Or should I say, I had a hate-hypocrisy stance whereby I railed against Wal-Mart while still shopping there on a more or less regular basis. A lot of recent developments are really making me question the dogma. I still believe that Wal-Marts squash local economies, and that’s awful, and their treatment of employees is suspect, but… but… now things are more complicated.
Regardless of my personal beliefs, Wal-Mart is a treasure trove of retail case studies and general interest. I will continue to keep a keen eye on their social and environmental policies (and watch out- I might take a look at some of the economic aspects as well).
