Top 10 Retailers To Feel Good About Supporting This Christmas

Online, December 15, 2009 (Newswire.com) - San Diego, CA, Dec, 17, 2009 -- With the holiday season quickly approaching, Will Marre, leadership expert and author of Save the World and Still Be Home For Dinner (Capital Books) (http://www.amazon.com/World-Still-Dinner-Capital-Cares/dp/1933102780) releases his own list of the top ten sustainable retailers. The retailers that made the list, according to Marre, represent the strategic integration of sustainability and positive human impact.
One company on the list is Wal-Mart (http://walmartstores.com/). While Wal-Mart may have carried a bad reputation in the past, according to Marre, they are making huge strides to transform their business into a sustainable 21st century enterprise that benefits the environment and humanity. They donated more than $423 million in 2008 alone to efforts such as feeding the hungy, educating veterans, disaster relief, and providing supplies to teachers. They are well on their way to reaching their enviornmental goals of 100 percent of their energy use from renewable energy, zero waste, and to sell products that sustain resources and the enviornment. They also are committed to conserving at least one acre of wildlife hatitat for every developed acre of Wal-Mart stores' current footprint.
Target (http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-031084) is another big name retailer on Marre's list. They donate 5 percent of their income to support education, social services, volunteerism, and the arts, adding up to over 3 million a week. Their efforts in enviornmental sustainability range from recycling 3.1 million pounds of shrink wrap in 2008, to cutting their energy by 40 percent by converting overhead store light from four lamps to two, and meeting rigorous environmental standards in new and existing buildings. They also have a unique focus on sustainable innovation and design.

While Marre's list focuses on the companies that are excelling at sustainability practices and striving to make a positive impact on the world, in "This Christmas Save the World With Your Shopping" (http://www.prweb.com/releases/sustainableretailers/WillMarre/prweb3248714.htm) Marre cautions against "dollar" stores. He states, ""When we buy junk made in foreign sweat shops that will be discarded quickly, often within days of purchase, we're doing everything that's wrong with consumption."

Marre states, "Where we shop and what we buy are more important than ever. I've seen more positive change in the past three years than the previous thirty toward sustainability and responsibility. And it's happening for one reason. Consumers and employees are demanding it." He continues, "Just five years ago sustainability and corporate social responsibility were something tree huggers and hippies whined about. Today it is driving corporate strategy. It's time to turn up the volume of our demands for business to use their power and innovation to create sustainable value."

For Marre's complete list, visit "The Top 10 Sustainable Retailers to Support this Holiday Season and Beyond" (http://www.prweb.com/releases/sustainableretailers/WillMarre/prweb3248714.htm).