Wal-Mart's Environmental Promise

Can Wal-Mart keep a promise?

The world's largest company says that "focusing on the environment is key to our mission to improve the quality of life for people around the world."

But people around the world suffer from Wal-Mart's reckless business practices, and every day its environmental footprint grows. Wal-Mart has been cited by the EPA for numerous Clean Air and Clean Water violations, and is, in its own words, responsible for nearly 250 million tons of greenhouse gasses each year.

That has to change.

For too long, Wal-Mart has built its empire at the expense of the vulnerable. That's why we've launched the Wal-Mart Watch Environmental Task Force, a group calling on Wal-Mart to keep its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Stay up-to-date and find out how you can help by joining the task force today:

http://action.walmartwatch.com/taskforce

Some of our most active members are already surveying their local Wal-Mart stores and reporting back what they find:

There are no recycling dumpsters outside or anywhere else in the store. This Wal-Mart doesn't even have the blue bins to recycle old bags that others do. When I asked the store manager about their recycling they didn't answer and instead asked another associate to assist me. I did ask employees about recycling and they all said that their store threw everything away, including recyclable materials like bags, and hangers, and cardboard boxes. -- Leesville, Louisiana

Fertilizers, manures and pesticides are out seasonally (spring, summer) in the parking lot, always uncovered. The plants are often so over-watered or have broken irrigation systems that cause overflow and copious amounts of water to go into the areas where these toxic products are displayed. -- Ridgecrest, CA

The reports keep coming in -- and we need your help to make this project successful. Join thousands of concerned citizens and hold your Wal-Mart accountable:

http://action.walmartwatch.com/taskforce

There's been a lot in the news about Wal-Mart recently, much of which has to do with promises it has made to improve its environmental performance. If Wal-Mart follows through on its promises to use 100% renewable energy and produce zero waste through its supply chain, the results would be tremendous.

That's why we have to hold Wal-Mart's leadership accountable.

As the world's largest company, Wal-Mart sets the standard for eco-friendly behavior that all other companies follow. It's up to us to make sure they raise that standard and become a better corporate citizen.

Become a member of the Environmental Task Force today:

http://action.walmartwatch.com/taskforce

Promises are encouraging, but they aren't enough. We must ensure Wal-Mart fulfills its pledge to make a cleaner, more sustainable world a reality.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Andrew Grossman
Executive Director
Wal-Mart Watch

Paid for by WalmartWatch.com, a campaign of Five Stones and The Center for Community and Corporate Ethics