I’m always glad
when there’s good news to report. The current good news comes in the form of an
announcement from retailer Wal-Mart. Last Thursday they announced that they
would work toward requiring their suppliers to disclose and eventually phase
out some chemicals of concern. Key components of the announcement include the
following:
- They are focusing on 10-ish chemicals. (A press release from Safer Chemicals: Healthy Families says “approximately ten”, an article in the Huffington Post says “about ten,” and a USA Today article says “nearly ten.”)
- The lack of specificity may come from the fact that Wal-Mart has declined at this point to disclose which chemicals it is targeting, preferring to wait until it has had time to communicate and collaborate with its suppliers.
- The chemicals were said to be chosen based on the extent of their impact and the availability of alternatives.
- Although they wouldn’t identify the chemicals, Wal-Mart did confirm that they all appear on the list of potentially problematic chemicals addressed in the Mind the Store campaign. (See this previous post for more info.
- Beginning in January 2015, suppliers will be required to disclose ingredients in cleaners, personal care products, cosmetics and baby care items sold in Wal-Mart stores.
- For many of its private label products, Wal-Mart will pursue the Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment designation.
Reaction from
environmental and public health leaders has been positive. The action has been
called “substantive,” “significant,” and “meaningful.” Some have pointed out that Wal-Mart is
attempting to make sure that any chemicals that replace those removed are
actually safer, which has not always been the case. Others note that Wal-Mart
has indicated that this is just the beginning of their action on the chemical
toxicity issue.
The problem of
the toxicity of everyday chemicals is a huge one and won’t be solved overnight
or by the actions of a single retailer. Still, every step forward should be
celebrated. I pray that Wal-Mart’s announcement will spur its competitors to take
similar steps.
4 comments:
Just to have a company acknowledge that chemicals can be a problem is a huge step in the right direction.
Am checking in after being away for a while. Missed my opportunity to invite Sam Brownback and Claire McCaskill to the documentary screening. Darn.
This does look promising, but I have developed a big cynicism with regard to Walmart. I remember their made in the USA campaign probably 20 years ago (which they appear to be resurrecting) and how that was later revealed to be flim flam. I know that their record with their employees is far from benevolent. Sigh. But we can pray that they have been transformed and see the light. Prayer is good.
I understand your cynicism, Debra, and have to fight it myself. I'm determined, though, to celebrate everything that looks like a tiny step forward. Surely if enough of us care about the toxicity issue, are vocal about it, and vote with our wallets, corporate America will eventually get the message.
I believe in celebrating progress wherever we see it, but here's the link to a story on one thing Wal-Mart is still getting wrong. Recently some of their jewelry was tested and found to be high in lead.
http://blog.saferchemicals.org/2013/10/walmart-two-steps-forward-one-step-back.html
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