The Power of Retail

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is finally being used and talked about beyond the boardroom as companies are going green like never before. While there is a lot of hype around being environmentally-aware and environmentally-active, both companies and consumers are striking a better balance at meeting the needs of both sides now.

• Some of the newer initiatives that have come from this green awareness include HP’s plan to eliminate approximately 30,000 cubic ft of polystyrene computer packaging and over 6 million lbs of PVC packaging from its inkjet printer business, which will reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 20%.
• Nike will remove a toxic compound from its air shock absorption technology.
• Starbucks will be paying farmers 42% higher than the global commodity price for Arabica coffee beans, so that it can provide 500,000 farmers a decent wage.
• Timberland plans to make all its retail and production facilities carbon neutral by 2010, by planting trees in equatorial regions.
• Wal-Mart has reduced consumption by 478.1 million gallons of water and 20.7 million gallons of diesel through its Zero Waste initiative. The company will also be reducing its energy consumption by 30% at all of its new stores from its 100% Renewable Energy program.