I'm a capitalist with a conscience, and maybe a bit of a soft spot for the underdog, regardless of what my NCAA tourney bracket looked like this year. I cheer for the Red Sox because they don't have as high a pay roll as the Yankees, even though I acknowledge the Sox' pay roll is still the second highest in the majors. And I don't like Wal-mart. I don't shop there. But I don't blame people who do. In fact, I feel fortunate to be able to afford to shop elsewhere, even if that is the local King Soopers grocery store, which is of course only one chain under the enormous Kroger brand.
But with King Soopers, I'm able to buy products that are locally grown, such as Rocky Mountain Pastures organic milk and Mountain High Natural Yogurt. My local grocery store - although not really local - provides me with local products, which means that while I am paying a premium price for these goods, I know that they're only being shipped from other parts of my state, instead of other parts of the country, or in some cases other countries all together. It's the entirety of the the green idea - from field to supermarket shelf - and it encompasses all aspects of production, shipping, and consumption. While Kroger may not be making the effort to truly support more sustainable practices, I can with my spent dollar.
Wal-mart's sustainability webpage says: "We view environmental sustainability as one of the most important opportunities for both the future of our business, and the future of our world. [Note here that the "future of our business" comes before "the future of our world."]
Our opportunity is to become a better company by looking at every facet of our business—from the products we offer to the energy we use—through the lens of sustainability."
This is all well and good, but I can't escape the reality of the quote I've used to open this post. Their green is all about their green.In the end, I want to spend my money where I believe business and true concern for the environment cross. I guess I'm looking for the best of both worlds. Sure, King Soopers isn't the perfect answer - and neither is Whole Foods. But I think that by at least offering consumers the option to buy locally (even at a premium price), they're taking a step in the right direction.
Just because McDonald's now offers higher quality beef than it did 4 years ago doesn't mean I'm going to start buying their burgers. It's simple economics, and it's the same story for Wal-Mart. I eat at the Cherry Cricket, where the burger is more expensive, the managers aren't brought in from another state, and the the beef is from closer to home.*
I have a number of issues with Wal-Mart that I must admit are not exclusive to that company. However, they are again #1 on the Fortune 500 list, and they must set an example for those who follow. I support their green initiatives and welcome their reduction in consumption and pollution the same way I'd welcome equal changes from McDonald's. But that's not enough to get me to shop there.
*I haven't checked this fact. To be honest, I made it up. But I'd be more willing to bet their beef is local than that of McDonald's.
