Our Environment

Wal-Mart released its first major sustainability report outlining its world wide efforts of becoming a greener company.

The report, released late November 2007, details dozens of sustainability programs ranging from environmental and economic development to employee health care and a WalMart credit card with a "green" theme. Although a good first step, many agree that more details and effort should be forth coming for the world’s largest retailer.

Environmental defense, who works with large companies including Wal-Mart and helped develop the report, is pleased that the retail giant is taking steps in the right direction but admits that there will need to be more data and context in future reports.

According to the report, Wal-Mart’s emissions of greenhouse gasses rose 8.6 percent in 2006 from the year before. So although WalMart should be congratulated for disclosing their environmental impact and setting an example for other companies to follow, it remains to be seen if they will be successful in reducing their environmental impact in the years to come.