Wal-Mart expands eco-friendly efforts
In April Wal-Mart is encouraging consumers to make eco-friendly choices at lower costs with its Earth Month campaign, now in its second consecutive year.
“At Wal-Mart, we are broadening and accelerating our commitment to bring Earth-friendly living to everyday life and recognize the importance of offering these choices at budget-friendly prices,” said Matt Kistler, SVP sustainability at Wal-Mart. “At a time when shoppers around the world are watching every penny, this is the time to save money and save the planet -- two goals that work together.”
In addition to more than 500 eco-friendly products available at stores and www.walmart.com/green, the company is featuring10 products at less than $10, including Earth T-shirts ($4 to $6 each), 10-pack recycled hangers ($1.25), and Wal-Mart reusable bag ($1). Consumers can also find eco-friendly money-savings tips at walmart.com/green.
Wal-Mart is sponsoring the “Earth Day, Every Day School Challenge,” in the United States, which recognizes schools for their green efforts. Entrants have until May 1 to submit a 200-word essay describing the school’s environmental activities from the past 24 months. Twenty finalists will be awarded a $500 Wal-Mart gift card and invited to compete for the grand prize: a $20,000 grant to be used toward the school’s eco-friendly projects. For more information, visit www.earthdayeverydaychallenge.com.
The company has a number of environmental goals, including:
• Cut plastic bag waste by one-third by 2013; • Work with suppliers to reduce packaging in its supply chain by 5% by 2013; and • Double the efficiency of its private hybrid and alternatively fueled trucking fleet by 2015.
Internationally, Wal-Mart is also taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. In Mexico, the company is adding wastewater treatment plants to all new stores and retrofitting existing stores. Stores in the United Kingdom now divert 65% of store waste from the landfill. Wal-Mart China has financed the installation of solar panels for 322 households in the Panjiabang Village in Jiaxing Zhejiang Province.