Wal-Mart, which already has year-round cell phone and ink cartridge recycling programs as well as computer recycling efforts, is now interested in expanding its focus on "environmental sustainability". At the "Take it Back" conference, the world"s largest retailer and second-largest corporation announced plans to give its product suppliers scorecards to rate electronics equipment based on a number of criteria including energy efficiency, upgradability, durability and levels of hazardous materials incorporated into the design and packaging. Wal-Mart will make the ratings available to customers who can then choose products that make the best use of our natural resources while also providing a minimal impact on the environment when they are discarded.
"The scorecard encourages improvements that are good for business as well as for the environment, reflecting Wal-Mart"s view that being a profitable and efficient business goes hand-in-hand with being a good steward to the environment. Many electronics contain hazardous materials and are disposed of improperly. The scorecard issues a better score to those suppliers who build products with fewer hazardous materials and offer electronics recycling opportunities to customers," said Ross Farnsworth, Wal-Mart divisional merchandise manager of home electronics.