10 Ways Walmart is Making a Difference

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Last week, Walmart released its 2012 Global Responsibility Report. The 2012 report covers sustainability issues for the retail chain during the fiscal year 2011, i.e., February 1, 2011 through January 30, 2012.

According to Walmart, here are the top 10 highlights from the list:

  1. Reduced waste by 80 percent by keeping 80.9 percent of all waste generated by its U.S. operations out of landfills.
  2. Expanded locally grown produce by increasing the amount of locally grown produce sold by 97 percent. Locally is defined by “grown and sold” in the same state.
  3. Supported women around the world by announcing a women’s economic empowerment initiative. Walmart is committed to sourcing $20 billion from women-owned business in the U.S. and doubling the sourcing globally.
  4. Saved customers $1 billion on fresh fruits and vegetables by reducing or eliminating the price premium on more than 350 “better-for-you” items.
  5. Announced Great for You icon to help customers easily and quickly identify healthier food options.
  6. Utilized 1.1 billion kWh of renewable energy making Walmart the second-largest onsite green power generator in the U.S.
  7. Integrated Sustainability Index to assess and improve the sustainability of their products.
  8. Responded to natural disasters by partnering with relief organizations to provide food, water, blankets, tents, flashlights, clothing, etc.. Walmart also donated $5 million to earthquake relief efforts in Japan and $1 million to tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri.
  9. Growing global direct farm program which supports small- and medium-sized farmers and their communities. This allows farmers to sell directly to Walmart, eliminating the middleman and allowing them to earn a better price for their products.
  10. Nurtured diversity and inclusion by fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. Walmart has increased the number of women and minorities in management positions.

Did you notice any of these initiatives last time you went to Walmart?

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