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Wal-Mart Shops for Green Cred

Critics skeptical as mammoth chain donates to eco groups, reduces energy use

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 25, 2007 6:16 AM CST

(Newser) – Hoping to soften its image, Wal-Mart is going green, the Washington Post reports. The retail giant is now donating to environmental groups, improving its energy efficiency, and creating the first hybrid shipping truck. Yet some critics say it's a mere cover. "Wal-Mart is willing to spread its money wherever it thinks it can buy protection for its poor business practices," said one. 

Wal-Mart hired a public relations firm and pumped $2.5 million into a lobbying team this year as part of its bid to appear eco-friendly. But organizations like the Sierra Club say the company still forces shoppers to drive long distances and pushes jobs to countries with poor environmental regulations. Others support Wal-Mart's new green path. "You can change the trajectory," said one activist.

A customer leaves a Wal-Mart in Mountain View, Calif. in this Nov. 7, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
A customer leaves a Wal-Mart in Mountain View, Calif. in this Nov. 7, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)   (Associated Press)
The front of a Wal-Mart store on Sept. 22, 2006.
The front of a Wal-Mart store on Sept. 22, 2006.   (Getty Images (by Event))
Exterior of the Wal-Mart store in Mountain View, Calif., Thursday, April 12, 2007. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., whose customers cut back on shopping when gas prices were high last year, warned that April's selling environment will be tough. The outlook for consumer spending turned hazy Thursday as warnings of weak sales...
Exterior of the Wal-Mart store in Mountain View, Calif., Thursday, April 12, 2007. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., whose customers cut back on shopping when gas prices were high last year, warned that April's selling...   (Associated Press)
A woman leaves a Wal-Mart store, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
A woman leaves a Wal-Mart store, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)   (Associated Press)
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