Wal-Mart touts efforts on global issues

BENTONVILLE, Ark. The environment, health care and ethical global sourcing were the major issues addressed by Wal-Mart Stores president and ceo Lee Scott Wednesday in a speech to more than 7,000 managers at the annual kick-off meeting for its U.S. stores.

"It is important for all of us to understand that there are a number of issues facing the world that will profoundly affect our lives and our company," Scott said. "I am talking to you about issues like international trade, climate change, water shortages, social and economic inequities, infrastructure and foreign oil. Wal-Mart can take a leadership role, get out in front of the future, and make a difference that is good for our business and the world."

In the area of energy efficiency, Scott introduced a new company-wide goal to work with suppliers to make the most energy-intensive products in Wal-Mart stores, anywhere in the world, 25% more energy-efficient within three years.

Scott told the audience that Wal-Mart plans to launch a major, retail-industry effort to improve social, ethical and environmental standards in the supplier factories that the company sources from. In order to meet these challenges, Scott said, the company will work with CIES, the leading global retail and consumer goods network and a number of other global retailers to achieve this goal.

Health care was also a major topic of discussion, and Scott spoke of the improvements Wal-Mart has made to its health benefits. He also spoke about the company’s new $4 prescription program.