5 Green Reasons to Stop Boycotting Walmart

I almost cried in Walmart today. I know that it sounds laughably melodramatic, but my experience shopping at Walmart actually renewed my almost-lost faith in the future of our planet. You see, a few years ago, I considered myself to be an unapologetically radical environmentalist. As I saw it, our planet was in extreme danger, and it would take a dramatic revolution to save it from the brink. I didn't just talk the talk-- I voted with my dollar, and boycotted any business I viewed as unsustainable.When I was seventeen, I vowed to a friend that I wouldn't set foot in a Walmart "until I see them selling compact fluorescent bulbs and organic cotton clothes."

Now, in 2011, Walmart sells dozens of varieties of compact fluorescent bulbs-- and all of their "Faded Glory" store-brand clothing is made at least partially with organic cotton. Energy-efficient appliances are the norm. Store-brand clocks and furniture are made from sustainable woods like paulownia. Looking around that garishly lit empire of a supermarket, I had to admit to myself that the company had made a 180-degree turn-around-- and that grassroots activism is what made it happen. With one of the world's largest corporate empires adopting a more sustainable business model, I can really believe in a future for our planet. I can say, truly and shamelessly, that I have lifted my boycott of Walmart. Here are just a few of the reasons why.

1. Walmart sells sustainable foods. Walmart's organic food selection has increased dramatically in the past few years. Most of the produce, snacks, dairy products, grains and frozen meals are available in organic varieties. Local produce is also available in most Walmart Supercenters, grown and harvested in the same state as each store. Although their selection still isn't quite as broad as, say, Whole Foods, it is impressive compared to their skimpy selection a few years ago. I have also noticed an increase in vegetarian foods there, which are inherently more sustainable than meat-based foods.

2. Walmart has issued green mandates to its suppliers. Suppliers of Walmart's store-brand products are held to a fairly impressive green mandate. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I remember almost laughing when a friend purchased me Faded Glory organic onesies for her. I knew that Faded Glory was a Walmart brand, and, although excited that they were attempting to appeal to people like me, I didn't think it would catch on. Now, Walmart has drastically cut packaging of the products it sells, and almost all products there have a greener option. Recycled paper, sustainable shoes, sustainable wood products, biodegradable cleaning products, fair-trade diamond jewelry, natural personal care items, and energy-efficient appliances line the shelves.

3. Stores and suppliers are more efficient. Walmart stores are now substantially more energy-efficient than they were just a few years ago. Each store has now been re-designed to reduce emissions by a full 30% from their baseline. When we consider the number of Walmart stores across the world, this is not an insignificant reduction in greenhouse gases. Walmart reports that this is an ongoing effort; they plan to eliminate 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from their supply chain by the end of 2015. We still need dramatic action to save our planet from peril, but these improvements are one heck of a start.


4. Walmart has dramatically reduced its fuel consumption. The company is in the process of doubling the efficiency of their entire fleet of supply vehicles-- an endeavor that will be complete in 2015. Already, they have reduced their fuel consumption by 2/3s by streamlining their product shipment policies. In 2010, the company reports, they delivered 57 million more cases, while driving 49 million fewer miles. The result: cleaner air and a more sustainable future.


5. Staff members are greener and friendlier. When I was 16, I brought a handful of canvas bags to a Walmart. When I announced, "I have my own bags," the cashier looked at me strangely and asked why. I said that it was because I was an environmentalist. The cashier then, honestly confused, stated, "I don't understand what bags have to do with the environment." Now, almost ten years later, the cashier at my local Walmart actually went to the effort of thanking me for bringing my own bags. She said cheerfully that she is relieved every time someone brings canvas bags to the store. Sipping from a reusable water bottle, she mentioned that the manager actively encourages green living among store employees.

As difficult as it is to let go of a grudge, I'm ready to say that I now support Walmart. When compared to most other large corporations, they are engaging in a significant amount of real-world activism that will actually help to benefit the environment that we all share. When enough large corporations do the same, a sustainable economy may be within arm's reach.