One great example of this can be found with Wal-Mart, the biggest retailer in the world with 2.1 million employees, more than 8,400 stores, and $405 billion in sales for 2010. With an organization of this magnitude, one would think change would be hard to achieve. However, Wal-Mart has blazed a path to higher profits by utilizing sustainable and efficient business practices.
The LA Times recently touted the corporation's achievements stating, “A Wal-Mart demand to manufacturers to shrink laundry detergent bottles saved, over three years, 400 million gallons of water, 95 million pounds of plastic, 125 million pounds of cardboard and half a million gallons of diesel fuel because of the reduced shipping weight and bulk.” Just this one initiative, shipping and material costs, has saved the company hundreds of millions of dollars. In fact, Wal-Mart’s goal is to reduce packaging by 5% globally on every item they offer. As of their 2010 annual report, they have achieved this with over 350,000 items carried in Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores.
What about zero waste? This has long been considered a pipe dream held dear by only the most extreme environmentalists. However, it seems that Wal-Mart may have achieved what naysayers have doubted for years. Their zero waste program consists of three major points: recycling, donation and creation. The recycling program includes cardboard, aluminum, plastic bags, paper, and other miscellaneous items. The donation program donates food that is close to expiration to local food banks. And finally, the creation stage includes manufacturing compost using expired food and other organic six as well as animal feed which is then sold in the store. Ultimately, Wal-Mart is aiming for zero waste by 2025. They are already 80% there with their pilot program in California. Wal-Mart has realized that reducing waste can save money for their business, their suppliers and their customers all while reducing their reliance on nonrenewal resources.
So what do all these changes boil down to - an estimated savings of around $3.4 billion. Now that makes a case for sustainability.
