A colleague sent me this article recently, featured on EcoSalon as, "Walmart's Green Labeling: the Challenges Ahead." It speaks briefly on Wal-Mart's goals as one of the largest merchandisers around to make their products more earth-friendly.
I was particular intrigued by what Wal-Mart had to say since like most eco-aware folks out there, I have been infused with a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to green labeling. In many cases companies never mind governments are tied down by policies and procedures-- so overwhelmed that nothing can be implemented for years...unless they can prove that it is more effective for the bottom line, immediately.
In this case, the great push forward looks like it can be attributed to an internal team called the Sustainable Value Network, comprised of Coral Rose (former buyer for Wal-Mart and founder of Eco-Innovations, a sustainable textile company) and her colleagues. She put it best in her quote, "I realized that by buying organic cotton instead of convention [cotton], my colleagues and I could improve the quality of life of millions of people. After that insight, how could I not do something?" Indeed.
Wal-Mart is stepping up to the plate by implementing a Life Cycle Analysis for each of their products. By creating a standard "global sustainability/green index" by which to rate all products, merchandise can be labeled so that all consumers can incorporate green-thinking into their everyday buying habits, without the costly time sink of having to go home and research each item on their own.
Impossible you say? They have already started with a line of jewelry called "Love Earth." Each piece has an identification number by which you can track your jewels down, allowing you to watch your necklace's ascent from creation to distribution. Try it out for yourself by visiting: http://www.loveearthinfo.com/ with the code SMPM88.
Frida W. says:
That's all fine and good, and I'm glad Wal-Mart is engaged in this conversation. BUT, I still won't be shopping there until they adopt a healthier employee policy, complete with full time status and healthcare benefits, not to mention inventory produced using slave labor. My skepticism tells me that they "short" their staff and use the money they save to look good in the community (donations, and in this case, green labeling).
Lulu L. says:
I tend to agree. I don't know much about their employee policies or where they get their products, however my instinct has always been to shop locally at owner-run businesses. That being said, a larger company like Walmart is great on many levels for the green-movement, both because of the press involved in their ventures, and the resources they have.
On another note, the fact that Walmart is jumping on the bandwagon validates how important green choices have become for many consumers...:)