Walmart Wins Washington "Green 50" Sustainability Award

SEATTLE, Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Walmart has been selected as one of the Washington Green 50 list by Seattle Business Magazine as part of its annual Green Washington Awards competition. Walmart was a finalist in the retail category.

The Green Washington Awards program identifies and honors companies that are demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to making their business sustainable. Walmart was honored for its improved fleet efficiency by 65 percent; recycling more than 31,000 tons of materials last year in Washington; and commitment to sell more green products to customers — 52 percent of products have had a 25 percent reduction in energy consumption.

"Sustainability is a core element of who Walmart is," said Robyn Babbitt, senior manager of sustainability at Walmart. "We integrate sustainability throughout our entire supply chain in order to operate as efficiently as possible so we can continue to deliver everyday low prices to our customers."

Babbitt, who accepted the award on behalf of Walmart, participated in an event panel discussion on "Capital Strategies for Sustainability" with other industry experts from The Boeing Company, MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions and Unico Properties.

Walmart's Sustainability 360 Program demonstrates that efficient and profitable business and being a good steward of the environment are goals that can work together. Walmart's sustainability goals are clear and straightforward, to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy; create zero waste; and sell products that sustain people and the environment.

Walmart is also dedicated to sustainability by taking care of communities and people in need. In 2010, Walmart donated nearly 5 million pounds of food – nearly 4 million meals – to local food banks in Washington.  

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,600 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.