Wal-Mart celebrating Earth Month; launches eco friendly bags in India

15 Apr 2009

In an effort to create awareness about green environment, the US retailer Wal-Mart plans to unveil a number of earth friendly products as part of celebrating global Earth Month this April. As part of the plan, Wal-Mart has unveiled flip flops made of 100 per cent recyclable materials in India at Easy Day stores, which are wholly owned and operated by Bharti Retail, according to a company press release.

Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Wal-Mart International, said, “Sustainability is a part of the everyday lives of associates who work at our Super centers, Bodegas, Todo Dias, Sam’s Clubs and offices around the world. We know we can make the greatest impact on our communities by offering eco-friendly products and by supporting sustainable projects that are important to our customers.”

While in China, the company is offering a mainstays compressed pillow resulting in savings in transportation costs and shelf space, Wal-Mart Puerto Rico launched fashionable and reusable shopping bags with artwork from the Ponce Art Museum and is donating proceeds from the sales of the bag to the museum.

In partnership with Unilever, Wal-Mart Argentina also launched a special Earth Month edition reusable shopping bag and Wal-Mart Canada announced its move to compaction in powdered laundry detergent. Besides, the company has partnered with local governments and NGOs and will engage its 2.2 million associates worldwide in promoting a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.

“Wal-Mart’s global environmental goals are simple and straightforward. We want to be supplied 100 per cent by renewable energy to create zero waste and to sell products that sustain our resources and the environment,” added McMillon.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc operates Walmart discount stores, super centers, neighborhood markets and Sam’s Club locations in the United States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom, added the release.

— IndiaRetailing Bureau