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I haven’t ever been that much of a Wal*Mart shopper myself. The shelves just seemed too tall at Walmart; it made me feel nervous with all that merchandise looming overhead. And too many of the patrons there seemed to lack what I consider proper cart & aisle etiquette. The prices do seem low, though. And that, in my understanding, is one of the main goals of Walmart: Saving Money – for you, for me, and for them. Along the way though, since its inception in 1962, Walmart got a bad name for how it took care of its own employees and also for the toll that these “cheap” prices were really taking here in our communities, and around the world.

When faced with rising conflict and dispute, what did they do? Well, they listened. They engaged their critics in ways that allowed them to understand the issues, and then participate in equitable solutions. Now that’s what I call “WAL*SMART”.  Sustainable “true-costs” take into account economics, the environment, and social equity: the proverbial triple bottom line.

Today Walmart is a leading retailer embracing this triple bottom line of Sustainability. They see sustainability as one of the most important opportunities for both the future of their business and the future of our world.

“Our opportunity is to become a better company by looking at every facet of our business—            from the products we offer to the energy we use—through the lens of sustainability.”

From the efficient design and construction of its stores, to the organic products that line the shelves, Walmart is bringing it to the masses. Their entire supply chain is in the process of a sustainability review in order to reduce energy use and emissions. Walmart wants to reduce the amount of packaging in its supply chain 5 percent by 2013, and eliminate all packaging waste by 2025.

Since surpassing its own efficiency goals within its vehicle fleet, Walmart is now investigating and testing new fuel-efficient commercial trucks. Employees are even encouraged to develop a Personal Sustainability Project, whether that is to exercise more, or spend more time with family, or even just to get organized.

Walmart’s 2009 Global Sustainability Report covers recent efforts to “provide quality health care options for associates, increase diversity among associates, source products from responsible factories, and reduce (their) footprint on the environment”.

Sam Walton founded this company with a belief that, “If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone…we’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.”  Save Money. Live Better.  Wal*Smart.