10.23.2005

Wal-Mart's epiphany?

Regular readers know I'm no fan of Wal-Mart. Its labor standards, artistic endeavors, or free-speech stances. So when they announced they're going to clean up their act (just in time for Wal-Mart Watch's "Higher Expectations Week," November 13–19, and the release of Robert "Outfoxed" Greenwald's new documentary The High Cost of Low Price), I was suspicious. But early indications seem promising: CEO Lee Scott says they'll be holding overseas factories to a higher standard and introducing more sustainable products, including a line of organic cotton clothing. The company is experimenting with renewable energy stores in Texas and Colorado. And, starting November 1, they'll begin the switch from petroleum-based to corn-based plastic packaging, a move that'll affectx 114 million clear-plastic containers for fruits and herbs. As WorldChanging asks, "What in Sam's name is going on here?"

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