Wal-Mart Sprawl
Wal-Mart is the largest corporation and private employer in the world. Instead of serving as a role model for other corporations, Wal-Mart is leading the race to the bottom on wages, benefits and the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs overseas. Wal-Mart has repeatedly ignored environmental laws, ranging from the Clean Water Act to the Clean Air Act.** Relentless expansion, or Wal-Mart Sprawl, has had dire and incalculable consequences, including:
- loss of open space
- homogenization of rural landscapes
- worsening traffic, adding to air quality degradation
- deterioration of historic commercial centers
- loss of wildlife habitat
In spring 2005, Wal-Mart Watch began its nationwide public education campaign to challenge the worlds largest retailer to become a better employer, neighbor, and corporate citizen. The North Star Chapter has partnered with this campaign which serves as a catalyst for coordinated action, fact-based presence on the truths about Wal-Mart's business model, and an online educational resource center.
As Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton once said, "High expectations are the key to everything," — and we agree. Join Wal-Mart Watch and over 200 organizations for Higher Expectations Week, a nationwide week of Wal-Mart reform events, November 13-19, 2005. Tens of thousands will participate in the weeklong series of events, scheduled already in 29 states and the District of Columbia, with the list of partners and events growing daily.
We welcome you to take part in this important series of actions. Visit Wal-Mart Watch's website and pledge to take part in Higher Expectation Week. To get involved and help the Sierra Club and Wal-Mart Watch reform this "big box" retailer go to http://walmartwatch.com/november or contact .
** The Business Journal, "Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Settles Federal Air Pollution Suit," 1/30/04; Chattanooga Times Free Press, "Wal-Mart Fined Over Violations," 5/13/04.