Sustainability In The Real

Sustainability has traditionally been defined by “policies and strategies that meet society’s present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (EPA).  I often hear the term used by companies whose practice is aimed at realizing their business potential while protecting the Earth’s resources. But beyond it’s traditional definition, sustainability is a way of life…

Two weeks ago, Walmart held their Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting.  As a leader in the area of sustainability, the company highlighted their successes and efforts to help people live better. So what does sustainability look like?  And what can you and I do at home and in the workplace to live sustainably?

Walmart began it’s sustainability journey in 2005 with 3 broad but ambitious goals:  To be powered by 100% renewable energy, to have zero waste, and to offer products that sustain people and the environment.  Every initiative undertaken by Walmart has had sustainability as the foundation, because the company believes that customers should not have to choose between a product they can afford and a product that’s good for their families and the environment.  We know that organic, sustainable products in general cost more.  So how does Walmart continue to retain it’s everyday low prices?  The answer (to reduce operating costs), though at first glance seems simple, can be quite complicated.

Walmart’s Sustainability 360 is an initiative that goes beyond reducing their carbon footprint to engage the company’s associates, suppliers, communities, and customers.  It’s the full circle of having programs in place that create products that can be recycled into products that can go back on store shelves.  One of Walmart’s largest expenses resulted from food waste.  The company created a campaign for hunger and donated food to food banks instead of paying people to haul it away.  But Walmart didn’t stop here.  The company donated 100 food trucks to food banks across the country and provided grants to “green” food banks.  The result is that Walmart donated 265 million pounds of food that otherwise would have ended up in landfills, thereby creating 197 million meals.

The question still begs…how can you and I incorporate sustainability into the way we live?  Walmart has a program in place called My Sustainability Plan to help associates integrate environmental practices directly into their daily lives. Some of the principles, such as making healthy choices, taking care of the planet, finding balance, and helping others span the globe.

What does sustainability look like in our home?  Inside and out, we’re striving to live healthier lives.  We start with the products we are using in and on our bodies.  Organic, fair-trade, and locally-grown define our purchases.   We also look at our consumption and waste habits and strive to reduce those through water and energy conservation.  As a family, we  also make it our goal each week to fill up our recycle bin while keeping our waste bin less than half full.

Walmart is exerting a positive influence in the world by leading in the area of sustainability.  It’s impressive to see a company of it’s size act responsibly to do what’s right for it’s customers, associates, and the planet in which it exists.

If you’re interested in learning more about Walmart’s sustainability efforts, I encourage you to view the webcast.