In late February, Wal-Mart decided that they are “going green” by reducing their carbon footprint. Their plan is to cut 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2015. To do this, Wal-Mart is even asking suppliers to evaluate the carbon life cycles of their products. Representatives on their behalf have said that while it is not necessary to get the suppliers on board, it is the most effective way of reducing carbon footprint.
Personally, I believe that this is just a giant form of greenwashing. The president of Wal-Mart, Michael T. Duke, said in an interview that “we know we need to get ready for a world in which energy will only be more expensive.” It seems that their biggest concern is not environmental issues, but economic issues. Also, there is a lot more to being a sustainable business than simply reducing its carbon footprint. This is a good start, but Wal-Mart is still infamously known for their disregard towards employees and suppliers. I feel that sustainability incorporates the well-being of people in addition to the well-being of the planet. I hope I’m wrong and that Wal-Mart is making an honest effort to be eco/people-friendly.
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