tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044318737317983833.post3503386136956394519..comments2023-06-08T04:15:43.908-05:00Comments on The Lost Albatross: A Greener Wal-Mart?Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11393762115493350763noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044318737317983833.post-34211012465792570942007-11-09T12:30:00.000-06:002007-11-09T12:30:00.000-06:00Vic, I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for c...Vic, I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for commenting!Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11393762115493350763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5044318737317983833.post-49697067421865796852007-11-09T12:24:00.000-06:002007-11-09T12:24:00.000-06:00I really liked your post on the subject of a green...I really liked your post on the subject of a greener Walmart. When I first became interested in "green products", my biggest frustration, was that green technology was not afforadable for the majority. I went to a conference in Minneapolis on green design (mostly architecture and interior design products), and everyone there was patting themselves on the back for building homes with no formaldehyde in the cabinet wood, no off-gassing from the carpets, solar panel rooftops, and natural light galore. Of course, one of those houses would run you $500,000 or more depending on the location.<BR/><BR/>I think the entry of green technology to market can be thought of like any other technology. Those early adopters pay a premium, but over time, the price comes down once more and more producers adopt these practices. Then again, many of the mass-produced tech products fail in terms of quality, and this is clearly the case for Walmart. I don't think that Walmart expects that with these small steps, they will instantly absolve themselves from years of breaching consumer trust. It would be a step in the right direction if their claims of "greening their process" came to be true. If it's just a PR scheme, then give 'em hell.<BR/><BR/>They're not along. Ford "greening the blue oval", has been one pretty successful campaign, but they've made real changes to their mfg processes. While their Model U car never left the concept car category, the research that went into it has laid the groundwork for real changes in their consumer car designs.<BR/><BR/>http://www.mbdc.com/News/ModelU_PressRel_20Jan03.pdf<BR/><BR/>I think consumers should still be vigilant in investigating product claims by these larger manufacturers, but give credit where credit is due. If they can bring down the price of green tech, making it more available and affordable for all, kudos.Vichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17222623848612729118noreply@blogger.com