I often wonder about the motivation behind corporation’s environmental initiatives: are hotels really foregoing clean towels and sheets in the name of Mother Earth or is it a loosely-disguised ploy to just save money? A new variation of this theme is happening at Walmart with their “One More” campaign. Plastered all over their checkout kiosks are signs encouraging you to “pack one more item” thus reducing the number of bags that are needed. Given the volume of their operation, I’m all for anything that can minimize their environmental impact, but I’ll venture a guess that it is more about keeping funds in their coffers rather than keeping plastic out of the landfill.
As you head out today to take advantage of the remaining after-Christmas sales, to use your gift cards or to exchange gifts that aren’t quite right, take it upon yourself to be environmentally friendly even if it inconveniences you a bit. Remember to take those reusable bags so it doesn’t matter how much you pack into them; bring your own straws instead of using disposable ones; bundle your errands and walk as much as you can rather than driving from store to store to store in the same plaza. Climate change is real. Do your part even without an economic incentive to motivate you.
