Boom Shocka Locka

The title may be a little bold, and Wal-Mart’s motivations are purely profit-driven, but you can’t deny they are having an impact. This is the big selling point for those that shun sustainability, it can save you money.

“As I got exposed to the opportunities we had to reduce our impact, it became even more exciting than I had originally thought: It is clearly good for our business…” Scott’s successor, Mike Duke, underscored that commitment last week, at Wal-Mart’s Sustainability Milestone Meeting. “This is not optional,” he said. “It’s not something of the past. This is all about the future.”

Four years on the green bandwagon is, of course a very short time. So what’s been most surprising is the depth and stability of Wal-Mart’s environmental commitment. Already, it has been astonishingly aggressive in using solar and wind power, carbon-neutral building, and carbon-efficiency in shipping. Its stated goal is to operate with 100 percent renewable fuels.