Sustainability

Japan may be a wealthy country, but as the death toll there continues to rise, major U.S. corporations are stepping up with significant donations and Target is among them. The company last week announced it would contribute $500,000 to Save the Children, an organization that is aiding with Japan’s earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has made a $500,000 donation to Save the Children to assist with Japan’s earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

“When disaster strikes, Target listens and acts quickly to provide meaningful support to people in need,” said Gregg Steinhafel, Chairman, President and CEO, Target. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquake and tsunami and we hope our donation will aid in the country’s recovery.”

Retail is a hard enough business without muddying the waters with all sorts of activities that have nothing to do with selling stuff shoppers want and need. To recap, Target gave some money to a homophobic politician who a lot of people thought was a jerk, which created an uprising in the gay and lesbian community and resulted in the company adopting a new policy to govern the political contribution process.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced it has eliminated more than 80% of the waste that would go to landfills from its operations in California by implementing a comprehensive waste reduction program. The results far exceed national average where EPA estimates only 45% of waste is diverted from landfills and the California rate of 65%.

The program is now being rolled out across the chain’s 4,400 stores, Sam’s Club locations and distribution centers in the United States, moving the retailer closer to its global goal of creating zero waste.

NEW YORK — After Apple began giving consumers the option to receive paperless receipts, it seems that other retailers are following suit, according to published reports.

Niagara, Ontario -- Niagara’s largest shopping center has launched a $13 million renovation featuring an environmentally- and shopper-friendly redesign inspired by Niagara’s vineyards, parks, gardens and trails.

“The design focus of the renovation will meet the Canada Green Building Council LEED-CI designation,” said Pen Centre manager John Bragagnolo. “Our aim is to ensure that the shopping center provides the best shopping experience with the least environmental impact possible.”

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that, in partnership with Shinsegae, it has opened Paju Premium Outlets, its second Premium Outlet Center in South Korea.

The 328,000-sq.-ft. center houses 160 stores, including international and domestic brands. Strategically located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, the center is approximately 50 minutes northwest of downtown Seoul.

By Jeff Green