The Benefit to Society

System of Sustainability:

Wal-Mart has long been committed to sustainability and preserving a healthy environment. They have in place a multi-step process for protecting the earth and its natural resources. [1] Here is where you will find how Wal-Mart is doing everything they can from reducing energy with the lighting they use to preserving an acre of land for every acre they develope. Here they state their sustainability fact sheet [2]. They simply state that their goals are to be supplied 100% by renewable energy, for existing stores to be 25% more efficient in 7 years and for new stores to be 30% more efficient in 4 years, have a 25% reduction in solid waste in 3 years, have all private brand packaging improved in 2 years, to sell products that sustain our resources and environment, design and support Green Company Program in China. To further examine just one of the initiatives Wal-Mart is currently taking to be more energy efficient [3].

Economic Benefits

The benefits to the economy is a list that includes the jobs that they create, the tax revenue they produce, the contributions to local charities, and of course the money that they save working families. Wal-Mart is currently running a program to reduce the costs of generic perscriptions for families with low budgets [4]. Money saved by purchasing lower priced products can be used to purchase other products or raise spending on disposable income-related goods and services thus raising aggregate demand in the economy as a whole. Also with the cost efficiency of Wal-Mart they actually can shift long run aggregate supply to the right and lower the overall price level in the economy. With Wal-Mart employing so many workers, they in fact help to lower the unemployment rate across America. By bringing a new Wal-Mart into a community, hundreds of new jobs will open up for current unemployed or underemployed workers. Check out how Wal-Mart has affected your community [5].

Diversity in the Workplace

Wal-Mart takes pride in being a leading employer of minorities and women [6]. They have been noticed on a national level for their commitment to diversity and continue to win awards, here is a list of recent awards [7].

Employee Benefits

Wal-Mart offers not only competitive wages for their employees, they also offer affordable health and dental coverage along with 401k plans [8]. Aside from the discounts they receive from already low Wal-Mart prices, employees also enjoy free membership to Sam's Club, paid vacations for eligible workers, and a financial education benefit which works to educate employees on budgeting, managing credit, credit reports, and buying a home.

Charitable Donations

By donating over $245 million in 2005 alone, Wal-Mart is proud to call itself the leading corporate cash donor in America. They contribute more than $170 million to communities and local non-profit organizations each year. That's $18,000 an hour, or $5 a second. For more information about Wal-Mart's charitable donations, take a look at their fact sheet [9]. For a more specific story about "America's Second Harvest" [10].