Wal-Mart Goes Further - Alone

By Freddie Pierce
The recent publication of Wal-Mart's report on its sustainability efforts has the rare quality of being genuinely impressive. Dramatic goals and po...

The recent publication of Wal-Mart's report on its sustainability efforts has the rare quality of being genuinely impressive. Dramatic goals and powerful follow-through have made for a completely transformed company since the retail giant announced its plan in 2005.

Since 2010, they've eliminated 120,000 metric tons of emissions, saved some $231 million through recycling programs, and doubled their supply of locally sourced produce. From sea to shining sea Wal-Mart has overseen everything from solar panel installations to waste management programs that have prevented over 80% of its trash from reaching the landfill.

Led by sustainability executive Lee Scott, it's clear that Wal-Mart has made fiscally responsible as well as meaningful change to its operations - which is good news no matter how you slice it.

SEE RELATED STORIES FROM THE WDM CONTENT NETWORK:

·         The Coming Supply Chain Renaissance

·         Did Steve Jobs’ Death Shine a Light on the Supply Chain?

Click here to read the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital

The inevitable 'but' comes when you examine the broader impact of Wal-Mart's effects on the environment and the culture at large - effects that cannot be easily internalized. The simple hard truth is that the pace of consumption by Wal-Mart and its customers is currently unsustainable, and won't cease to be so until renewable energy sources are in place.

Currently, Wal-Mart consumes renewable energy more than its competitors - about 20% - but that's as far as it can go without outside help.

Perhaps it's time that the government and businesses alike took note of its trend-setting industry partners and actively fostered a healthy environment for sustainability. 

Click here to download Supply Chain Digital’s iPad app!

Share

Featured Articles

PwC Examines Digital Trends in Operations for 2024

PwC’s Digital Trends in Operations Survey for 2024 demonstrates a significant proportion of firms are struggling to achieve their desired outcomes

P&SC LIVE New York 2024 Virutal - SAVE THE DATE

Don’t miss out on your chance to attend Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE New York in 2024 Virtually, 5-6 June

Charities & NGOs Submit to The Global P&SC Awards for FREE

The Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards hosted at P&SC LIVE London Sept 2024 welcomes charities and NGOs to submit for FREE

Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: 2024 Dates to Remember

Digital Supply Chain

Gartner Unveils Top Supply Chain Technology Trends for 2024

Technology

What the Latest CSDDD Milestone Means for Supply Chains

Sustainability