Comments on: Wal-Mart might be a shining beacon when it comes to green retailers

By: Walmart going local at Things That Make You Go Green

Walmart going local at Things That Make You Go Green — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:43:06 +0000

[…] while back, I wrote about Wal-Mart’s efforts to go green, including their efforts to implement green technologies and push their supply chain to go green. […]

By: Rachel Maitra

Rachel Maitra — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:04:28 +0000

Thanks for this thought-provoking series; I will read it with interest. I completely agree with you about the negative assessment of Wal*Mart’s track record as an employer and wholesale buyer, but if they are making even a small effort to go green, it certainly should be applauded. Lots and lots of Americans live in an area where avoiding Wal*Mart is simply not an option. In my very small hometown, we don’t have a Trader Joe’s or a Whole Foods. We have an excellent but tiny locally owned health-food store, pharmacy, and hardware, and then 10 miles’ drive away there is Wal*Mart and Wegmans. You just can’t get everything at the good local stores, so, Wal*Mart it is. Since we have to buy our trash bags there, if they can offer Bio-Bags, then great!

By: Jackie

Jackie — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:50:34 +0000

I also definitely am not a Wal-Mart fan- I don’t agree with their employee labor practices, their bans on unionization, and basically everything else involving Wal-Mart’s interaction with their employees or suppliers. However, the major strength of the company seems to be saving the money that they have witheld from their employees. They are doing some good with this money by trying to go green. I would say that this effort is “greenwashing” but, since its Wal-Mart, it has a huge impact on many suppliers. Regardless of whether or not Wal-Mart is just going green to regain popularity or get business from those who disagree with their employee practices, they are making a splash. I think that it’s great that they have identified ways that they can lessen their environmental impact, but the truth still remains for me that they have the money to make such big changes because they have stiffed so many employees and suppliers over a long time.