First, dear readers (assuming there are any of you out there), I apologize for not having written anything for awhile. I was busy getting ready for my classes to begin at FAMU, so I didn't have the energy to blog.
But now that we're a week into classes, I'm feeling the urge to write again. Thus my "Hat's Off to Walmart." I know that many of my greenie friends hate Walmart for being the behemoth that destroys local economies and treats its employees poorly. I must confess, I've been a Walmart naysayer myself at times (especially when Walmart tried to open its first store in Vermont, where I lived for 16 1/2 years, and when it approved the Edelman-created fake blog).
But I've been impressed by some of Walmart's recent sustainability initiatives (e.g., committing to selling 1 million CFLs in a year; introducing a scorecard to pressure suppliers to decrease their packaging; and opening a green supercenter in McKinney, Texas -- why aren't all of its new stores green?).
I just read on promomagazine.com that Walmart is asking its suppliers to analyze and cut their own carbon footprints. The next step? Walmart supposedly will ask its customers to analyze the sustainability of Walmart products. Interesting. I wonder if this means Walmart will choose to stop selling cheap items that may not cost much to us in the U.S. but that "someone" assuredly has "paid for" in other ways. Maybe Walmart execs should simply watch "The Story of Stuff" and stop selling unsustainable products. Hmmm.... This online video clearly explains the connection between production and consumption (as if Walmart didn't already know). Watch it, if you haven't already seen it.
Speaking of "The Story of Stuff," check out "The Story of Cap and Trade" if you want to understand what that proposal is all about. Annie Leonard and gang are soon launching two other educational videos: "The Story of Electronics" and "The Story of Bottled Water."
Back to Walmart. If the largest retailer in the world is willing to make changes in the way it does business, demand sustainability changes from its suppliers and support sustainability initiatives by its workers, then there may be hope for us all.
2 weeks ago
I really enjoyed watching "The Story of Stuff" and "The Story of Cap and Trade." I do not know where to begin when I think of all the information presented in the "tutorials." It can be totally overwhelming. Yet, the more I understand what needs to be done, the more I understand what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteBefore I had you as a professor, I was aware of your reputation of being a teacher who was concerned about sustainability and safe environmental practices. Your method of teaching is so important, because you are exposing the new generation of PR professionals and potential global leaders to facts of life. We will all have to deal with them in some way at some time. This epidemic is inescapable.
I do not want to say that I am afraid, but I am concerned. What is happening in the environment is like having a mother who you see on holidays, and she is sicker every time. But instead of acknowledging her illness, her family members keep expecting her to perform in the same way, dressing her up and making her look presentable, ignoring her when she falls out and hits the floor.
Why isn't there any more sense of urgency from the people who have the power? Oh yes, because the people who have the power are those relatives who want their mother to keep making them fat on Christmas and Thanksgiving even if it costs them her life.
Now that is scary.
As for Wal-Mart, I cannot commend them corporately for any strides they have made. It's all PR to me. When they begin to make some bigger changes, which they definitely have the ability to do, I will think about giving them their kudos. Until then, they have got to do better. We all do.
"The Story of Stuff" was an informative and eye-opening video. Like many of my peers who have a limited budget, I normally flock toward items that are less expensive. However, I never pondered the reasons why products are extremely cheap.
ReplyDelete"The Story of Stuff" helped me understand the total cost of items, such as the hours of work someone may have sacrificed at a low pay rate for the item to be affordable.
Price is a major part in our decisions of what to buy and what not to buy. Rather than analyzing the true quality of a product we purchase what is cheap.
Wal-Mart, like many other companies are taking the initiative to make their products more sustainable. My job, KFC, has started using reusable side dish containers. Actions like these make people ask why? Once people are informed of the benefits to their health and the environment they become more attracted to eco-friendly products. For example, since I have studied the effects of plastic water bottles and Styrofoam cups I refrain from buying those items.
Its amazing that a company like Wal-Mart would make changes like this, especially after hearing a lot of negative things about their business practices and not to mention that how this could effect their sales. I'm sure that they would not allow a new initiative such as this one to cut into their profit because most businesses would not even take the chance Wal-Mart is taking. However, it is nice to finally see companies putting their own interests aside and putting their consumers first.
ReplyDeleteDr. D,
ReplyDeleteI love to shop at Wal-Mart and think it is my favorite store. I thought every one loved Wal-Mart as much as me. I decided to locate blogs about Wal-Mart and I was surprised at what I was reading. I didn’t know that people had such a negative opinion about Wal-Mart. I do think that building a green supercenter is one of the many steps to changing people attitudes about Wal-Mart. I also think it is great that Wal-Mart is asking suppliers to analyze and cut their carbon footprint. I believe if Wal-Mart can find a way to reduce its own carbon footprint it can potentially gain more fans.
PR Student,
Keith Blue
I'm proud of Wal-Mart. They are beginning to make a change. Hopefully, it will create a behavioral change with other major corporations. Major corporations play major roles in the climate crisis situation. If businesses make a change in what they sell, it will force consumers to make a change in what they buy.
ReplyDeleteDr.D,
ReplyDeleteI will be the first to say I love Wal-Mart, because of their low prices and bargains. But I must admit I had a small grudge against them.
I saw a video called "Food Matter" a couple of months ago. The movie is about the food industry and how horrible it really is, for the most part. During this film, here ere a couple of Wal-Mart businessmen trying to jump on the "Go Green" ban-wagon. To me, It showed that the only reason they were trying to use and sell better products was because that’s what a lot of consumers are prefer it now.
This was not because they want to save the planet, it’s because they want to make money. It gets me a little upset discussing it because it's more about money then the actual initiative, to me.
Overall, I am happy that they are taking the initiatives seriously, even if they aren't genuine. Every little bit counts.
Dr. Donnellan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this information about Walmart's sustainability efforts. I had no idea they had opened a green supercenter in Texas. I would love to visit! I was also unaware of their other sustainability efforts that you mentioned in your post. This makes me believe that they are not doing enough. Walmart has so much power and prominence and I would definitely like to see them making a larger sustainability effort.
Leslie Moore
Dr. D,
ReplyDeleteThis post is very impressive. Like many people, I have heard many negative things about Walmart's sustainability efforts as well as other things. However, even after negative reviews I still shop their because of its convenience. I am very happy to hear about Walmart's sustainability efforts. I think it is great that Walmart has built a green supercenter in Texas. I believe that next step they should do is revamping all their locations so all stores can "go green." Organizations like the Green Collation should see exactly what they can do to get the Walmart stores in the Tallahassee area on the right path. For being such a big company, Walmart needs to make bigger movements quickly, but their small efforts are still good.
-Nordene Bartley
Dr. D,
ReplyDeleteThis blog is very interesting but true. I have found myself talking about Walmart but their prices are great. Walmart has become more green over the years. For example, Walmart has created their own reusable grocery bags. The bags are only a dollar but they can hold a large amount of groceries. This causes less use of the plastic bags. In my cabinets at home I have millions of plastic bags from the grocery store. I have noticed lately that there is no place for me to put them other than in the garbage can. I have watched some of the "Story of Stuff" and it was very interesting. I received more insight into unsustainable products.
-Tiarah Dukes
I am extremely proud to be a Wal-Mart shopper. Since I began to shop on my own Wal-Mart has been my number one choice without question. Being that Wal-Mart is the number one retail store in the US, they are becoming a great influence on it’s shoppers lives. It like a “monkey see, monkey do” act. When someone with power does something it inspires others do do the same or similar. Wal-Mart is making a very responsible and huge step by doing this and I hope that they continue to led the path for it’s shoppers like myself. This will be a cause that I stay aware of!
ReplyDelete-Brittney Dixon
Hey Dr. D,
ReplyDeleteI don’t blame you for being so harsh on Wal-Mart because of their lack of sustainability efforts in the past. But thanks for giving credit where credit is due, because the company is aspiring to become more environmentally friendly. I can truly say I’m a loyal Wal-Mart customer and I’m proud of the fact that they’re trying to analyze and cut their own carbon footprints. Never the less I’m more intrigued that they’re trying to get their suppliers to do the same. I believe that since Wal-Mart has such a big consumer fan base people will start following the trend of cutting their carbon footprint/going green and using it in their everyday lives.
-Sloane Cantey
Dr. D,
ReplyDeleteAs one of the largest retailers nationwide and also worldwide, I must say that to some extent I have to give Wal-Mart their props for attempting to go green. Nonetheless, this is still a corporation that needs it’s consumers in order to endure,just as any other, so I believe they do stick their toes in the water just a little bit so they can have a better image. Am I against Wal-Mart? No, definitely not, but do I believe this is strictly for the purpose of PR and the way they are perceived as a global company? Yes, I do. I believe if the world wasn’t on this “Go Green” tip, then Wal-Mart would care less about the sustainability of our environment. With that said, I do commend them nevertheless for their attempts and success thus far.
- Nyah Abdala
Dr. D,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog “Hats off to Walmart” and it really opened my eyes because I was unaware of the bad reputation that Walmart has achieved. I must say that I am an avid shopper of Walmart because of their competitive low prices and wide variety of products. It wasn’t until now that I discovered that Walmart had not received their bad identity through sales, but for not being an advocate of the “green” revolution.
In my opinion, I do not bestow Walmart’s sudden change of heart due to environmental concerns, but rather due to their declining reputation. I can’t praise them for any changes they have made because I believe it’s just a publicity stunt implemented by their public relations department. Nevertheless, whether it’s from public relations strategy or genuine concern, Walmart’s new attitude is the next step in improving the environment.
Dr. D,
ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing the blog concerning Wal-Mart, I must say I am extremely proud with the steps Wal-Mart is making. Trying to reduce their environmental footprint and even though they are taking small steps it is still progress. I have heard different stories in regards to how Wal-Mart runs its company. Which deals with employee treatment and not acknowledging the fact of trying to be more active environmentally. Wal-Mart is the largest retailer nationwide, which means they play an important role in ecological footprint; having an influence on smaller retailers that merge in business with Wal-Mart. Opening up an all green store was the first sign of Wal-Mart acknowledging the role they play in the environment. Even though it is just one store, this was a step into the right direction. Wal-Mart can help pave the way for other small retailers who in the future would want to duplicate their success from going green.
I am kind of surprised to find out that there are people in the world who really despise Walmart. Of course I have heard about people not liking Walmart because it steals customers from the local community stores, but I have never thought of any other reasons behind it. After watching "The Story of Stuff" and "The Story of Cap and Trade" it really opens your eyes to the damage that we are creating in the world. There has to be some other kind of worldwide awareness day. Obviously if the world isn’t listening to the warnings and precautions there have been in previous years, we should make a more effective one! It is like the saying your mother tells you, “In through one ear and out the next”. Sad to say I am one of those people who purchase hundreds of water bottles. Like many college students, I do not recycle and I also buy many Styrofoam products.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your entire article except for a section where you briefly mentioned Walmart mistreating their employees. In my hometown, Walmart was one of the best jobs you could have gotten! They offered the best benefits and treated the employees like royalty. I guess from town to town the manager- employee relationships differed. If Walmart as a billion dollar company can change, then why can’t we? I’m sure that it takes a lot of hard work and strenuous effort to make sure all of these go green projects are successful. My favorite sustainability project that Walmart has is their lights. The newer stores are being built with light panels so in the daytime the stores use solar energy to illuminate the store. I fully believe that Walmart’s attempt at going green is a positive one! Kudos to Walmart!
I have always taken “recycling” and how necessary it really is to save the environment as joke. For years, I’ve considered activists to just rant, adding 1,000 ways the world isn't right. I figured it was more people yelling about a problem without any real solution.
ReplyDelete“The Story of Stuff”, opened my eyes to the deterioration we are doing to our own planet. Instead of making a difference, people (big businesses) are too worried about the money they can save by going the cheap way. As a result, will end up killing them and generations after; it’s frustrating how there is not a sense of urgency. Half of our planet is gone, due to greed and the need for companies to mass produce each other for sales. We are on our way to self-destruction.
Reading this post three years after it was written has given me hope, that change can be made. Wal-Mart has become a role model for sustainable efforts towards the environment. Publix has started with selling paper bags versus plastic and also selling reusable totes. We are seeing better efforts for individuals to recycle and really take initiative to preserve our land.