Corporate Responsibility

Bentonville, Ark. -- In its Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting on Monday, Walmart announced new commitments the retailer says will dramatically increase energy efficiency and renewables, and hasten its path toward being 100% supplied by renewable energy.

Walmart president and CEO Mike Duke outlined specific goals the company said it intends to achieve by Dec. 31, 2020:

PERRYVILLE, Md. — Ikea has plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its distribution center in Perryville, Md. 

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix has elected Beall’s CEO Steve Knopik to its board of directors.

“We are pleased to have Steve join the Publix board,” said Publix chairman of the board Charlie Jenkins Jr. “His strong retail and financial background and commitment to the community will make him a strong addition to our board.”

New York -- Walmart is eyeing greater energy efficiency and less reliance on fossil fuels as key drivers of its low cost, low price business model.

MILWAUKEE — Kohl’s is scheduled to return to Summerfest this year with its Captivation Station, an educative program geared toward children and families. Also returning to the festival will be the free-admission program Kohl’s Family Day, scheduled from noon–3 p.m. Sunday, June 30.

CINCINNATI — A major initiative unveiled by Kroger could have the retailer’s suppliers scrambling to ensure palm oil used in products the retailer carries are obtained from sources who meet strict harvesting guidelines.

Kroger issued the following policy statement:

Palm oil has become the world's leading oil crop and today accounts for roughly one-third of the global vegetable oil production. This oil has grown in popularity within the food industry as a cooking oil, shortening, margarine, milk-fat replacer, and as a cocoa-butter substitute.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart and Shop Your Way are teaming up with New York Times bestselling author Sandra Lee to support the Share Our Strength Bake Sale for No Kid Hungry campaign. The national fundraising initiative encourages people to host bake sales in their communities to help end childhood hunger in the United States.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has proposed increasing federal taxes on cigarettes, drawing criticism from tobacco companies and praise from anti-smoking groups.

As part of his proposed budget, Obama proposed raising the tax on cigarettes by 94 cents per pack, with similar increases on other tobacco products. The current tax is $1.01 per pack.

LOS ANGELES — The Entertainment Industry Foundation is sponsoring the Revlon Run/Walk for Women for the 20th year in a row, the group said Tuesday.

Emma Stone and Olivia Wilde will act as Revlon brand ambassadors and hosts for the New York event, which takes place on May 4, while Halle Berry will do the same for the Los Angeles event, on May 11, along with Entertainment Tonight correspondent Brooke Anderson and Dancing with the Stars host Carrie Ann Inaba.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Thursday announced plans to bring together more than 4,800 associates at the Kentucky Exposition Center on April 16 to assemble an estimated 17,000 emergency food and personal care boxes for the metro community of Louisville, Ky.