Walmart's Sustainability Label: A Chance to Show the True Price of Products

In a recent WorldWatch article Ben Block writes about a new Walmart initiative to create a “sustainability label” that will be determined through extensive assessments of suppliers of products. It’s hard to to greet such news without enthusiasm. It’s also hard to not to be mighty skeptical. If ever there was a company that could make a massive difference, it would be Walmart, the biggest retailer in the world. If Walmart exercised its power to demand sustainable, humane, and peaceful products, the race would be on to produce them. A sustainability label is a great start.

But if ever there was an opportunity for greenwashing on a grand scale, it’s here, too. There will be a thousand loopholes, as one can easily see just by reading the WorldWatch article. There will be hidden costs no one reveals. There will be labels for sustainability that mask the realities of cruelty and oppression, unless those labels cover the true costs to all: the environment, other people, our own health, and animals.

Despite my skepticism, I’m happy about this development. Walmart is comprised of people who want a safe and healthy future for their children and grandchildren, just like I do. They have the ability to create changes in systems by virtue of their size and influence. I support such efforts, but I know we all need to fight for them to be honest, just, and legitimate.

~ Zoe


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