Wal-Mart Makes 'Green' Commitment To Clinton

Retail giant Wal-Mart has made a commitment to cut waste and improve its impact on the environment, according to the Clinton Global Initiative.

As of Nov. 1, 2007, Wal-Mart says it will introduce measurement tools and a process that is fully transparent to our more than 2,000 private label suppliers.

On Feb. 1, 2007, the tools and process will be made available to Wal-Mart's more than 60,000 suppliers, according to the Clinton initiative, founded by former President Bill Clinton.

The initiative fosters "commitments" that are projects that define "clear and feasible objectives" and measurable results, according to a Clinton website.

Beginning in 2008, Wal-Mart says it will measure and reward all of its worldwide suppliers.

"We will also encourage them to use less packaging, more effective materials in the packaging process and source these materials more efficiently. We expect that the innovations being introduced will create jobs, inspire employees and ignite cultures for all those who participate," the corporation says.

Wal-Mart says the changes will result in:

• 667,000 metric tons of CO2 not emitted into the atmosphere cumulative 2013
• 213,000 trucks off the road annually by 2013
• 66.7 million gallons of diesel fuel avoided cumulative by 2013
• Billions of dollars in cumulative savings by 2013 to the global supply chain