Wal-Mart plans industry-wide environmental labels
Wal-Mart used to be the target of just about every labor and evironmental group for big-footing over everything in the way of its profits. But more recently, the company has been using its size to force changes on the retail industry -- and much of America.
Today, the company says it's taking another big step by forming a labeling system over the next few years that will tell consumers about a product's environmental and social sustainability. The New York Times has a story today about the program, being presented to suppliers today.
To form the index, the company employed environmentalists, academics and suppliers. Wal-Mart wants the other big retails, such as Costco and Target, to also use the index (something suppliers may demand, so they don't have to deal with multiple labels.)
Wal-Mart expects manufacturers to begin making more eco-friendly products because of the labels, a move that could reduce energy consumption and save money that will be needed to create for the new index.
The retail giant has pushed environmentalism on the masses in smaller doses in the past, by selling only concentrated detergent that uses less plastic for bottles and compact flourescent light bulbs.
Think this much larger effort will work? Will people change their shopping habits when they know more about what went into making the products?
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Beware media hype about Walmart's move, says greenbiz.com's Joel Makower. It's not a product-rating scheme, he explains, but an indirect attempt to goad businesses to "green up" that sets only a middling bar. Still, he calls it "a solid first effort." Read more here: http://makower.typepad.com/joel_makower/2009/07/walmarts-sustainability-index-the-hype-and-the-hope.html
Posted by: Tim Wheeler | July 16, 2009 6:02 PM
Why create another standard that will only be used at one retailer. What about one with broad market appeal, such as JumpGauge Interactive Labeling (http://www.JumpGauge.com/)? Consumers could use it at all retailers, not just Walmart. Interactive labeling also offers greater transparency and knowledge transfer than a simple questionnaire
Posted by: Chris Glennon | July 17, 2009 3:32 PM
This sounds nice, but I am doubtful of Wal Mart's intentions. I think it is most likely meant as a way to get a good PR story.
If Wal Mart is seriously concerned for the environment, it could start with something much more simple to control --- its development plans and land use. Why not make an effort to build stores that somewhat fit in with the local architecture instead of the generic, ugly box?
Or they could stop building unnecessarily enormous parking lots designed to only be full a few days a year (Black Friday and the week before Christmas). At minimum, they use pervious surfaces (gravel, pavers) on the half of the parking lot that never sees any cars.
Oh wait, those things that actually protect our natural resources directly and build a sense of community don't help their bottom line.
Posted by: Chuck Gates | August 8, 2009 11:38 PM