It’s a sad day for me. Casually strolling through the Internet, via Stumbleupon, I came across an article titled, “23 Organizations Issue Joint Report Critiquing Wal-Mart’s Sustainability Initiatives”. Immediately, I wanted to cry. For one, I as a college student and as someone who is up at wee hours of the morning, I love Wal-Mart. It is cheap and open twenty-four hours, two very good selling points. I knew, before reading the article, strictly based on principle, I was going to have to stop shopping at Wal-Mart all together. The article details a recent study conducted by a organization named The Big Box Collaborative that looked into Wal-Mart’s recent initiative to decrease the amount of Green House Gases (GHGs) it releases. The organization, made up of various farmers, shareholders, public health groups, along with many other occupations, found that, “even if Wal-Mart achieved all of its stated goals, the company’s business model is inherently unsustainable.”. The article is way too well written and too full of startling information for me to summarize, but here are a few quotes to persuade you to click on the link and become informed.
According to report contributor Corporate Ethics International, two-thirds of Wal-Mart’s PAC campaign contributions in the last election went to candidates who earned failing grades from the League of Conservation Voters. “Wal-Mart claims to be a leader in the battle against global warming, yet it’s one of the largest contributors to politicians with the worst records on global warming.
Wal-Mart has used its market power to cut costs at the expense of workers and the environment across the developing world.
Ultimately, the report asks: “Can a company claim to be “sustainable” when it drives down wages, refuses wages to some 20,000 minors working in its Mexican stores, pays unsustainably low prices to its suppliers (leading to sweatshop conditions), drives local stores and markets out of business, and disregards the wishes of the communities where it establishes its stores?
With that being said, on Saturday, November 17th, the Big Box Collaboration is having an International Day of Action against corporate injustice, specifically aimed at Wal-Mart. What exactly is to take place is unknown myself, but I have volunteered myself as the Orlando sponsor for this event. I think it will be a great way to inform the people of Orlando of the injustice that makes Wal-Mart so appealing to anyone looking for a bargain. Makes sure you read “About International Day of Action” to get a full understanding of what and, more importantly, what’s not trying to be accomplished.
Also, check out WakeupWalmart.com. It’s a great website that gives great information about the sick things Wal-Mart lets pass as “business” in America and overseas.
Show your support of the environment.
Stay green Orlando.
go you!wal mart is horrible and hurting our enviroment! keep up the good work