Wal-Mart sees environmental sustainability as one of the most important opportunities for both the future of their business and the future of our world. Wal-Mart's goal is to become a better company by looking at every facet of their business—from the products they offer to the energy they use—through the lens of sustainability.

Bruce Harris, Wal-Mart's Director of Federal Government Relations for Sustainability, discussed ways in which Wal-Mart's comprehensive sustainability initiatives are not only good for the earth but are also generating enormous savings for the company, which then translate into customer savings and improved affordability of earth-friendly products.

Among Wal-Mart's commitments to sustainability:

• Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles to increase fleet efficiency
• Partnerships with World Wildlife Fund, American Tree Farmers Association, and China National Forestry Industry Association to ensure sustainably sourced paper and wood products
• Building better stores: increasing the efficiency of construction methods and materials as well as in operations