As Walmart 'Wages War on Workers and Earth,' Green Groups Join Labor Fight
11/21/2014

As people deeply committed to environmental and climate justice, we condemn Walmart as a climate criminal and we stand side-by-side with Walmart’s workers.'

...An Institute for Local Self-Reliance study released Thursday finds that Walmart burns a "staggering" amount of coal, at 4.2 million tons annually, consuming 0.5 percent of all coal electricity in the United States. Furthermore, a report released by ILSR in October reveals that Walton family members are personally funding almost two dozen organizations that are working to undermine renewable energy policies.

Nonetheless Walmart has sought to cultivate a public image as an environment-friendly company, including by declaring "sustainability goals." This prompted The Green Life in April to designate the company the "worst greenwasher of the year"—a reference to the practice of falsely representing oneself as eco-friendly.

Numerous green groups say they see through the "greenwashing" efforts.

Walmart's track record on climate, and workers' rights, has garnered significant criticism from organizations ranging from the Asian Pacific Environmental Network to Rainforest Action Network to the Sierra Club. When President Obama chose in March to deliver his highly-anticipated energy speech at a northern California Walmart store, he elicited protests from civil rights, environmental, and labor organizations...

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/11/21/walmart-wages-war-workers-and-earth-green-groups-join-labor-fight