BENTONVILLE, Ark., November 21, 2006 – In a continued effort to be a better steward of the environment as well as an efficient and profitable business, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. today announced a $75,000 donation to The Climate Project in support of its mission to educate the world on global warming.
The Climate Project, founded by former Vice President Al Gore, works to educate and challenge citizens and governments on the growing crisis of global warming. The funds donated by Wal-Mart will be used to assist The Climate Project initiatives, including providing education on the effects of global warming through research and citizen action programs in communities across the country. The Project’s first initiative is to train 1,000 lecturers, who will share information on the subject to audiences across America.
Wal-Mart’s philanthropic giving is designed to respond to each community’s specific needs, including sustaining the environment. The partnership with The Climate Project is an example of the company’s commitment to give back to its communities and be responsible stewards of the environment. As part of its goal to reduce footprints on the environment, Wal-Mart is vigorously working on innovative best practices that promote a healthier environment and enhance the customer experience. In 2005, the company set energy efficiency goals in an effort to reach its fullest potential in the sustainability arena.
“At Wal-Mart, we’ve built our business on improving the quality of life for our customers, associates and their communities,” said Andy Ruben, vice president of corporate strategy and sustainability. “Vice President Gore has taken a valuable leadership role on this critical issue and we appreciate the insight he has provided Wal-Mart in our ongoing sustainability efforts.”
The donation coincides with the release of Gore’s documentary and book, “An Inconvenient Truth,” which informs the public about the science and effects of global warming, as well as the actions required to fight this crisis. The documentary, packaged to make the smallest possible environmental footprint, features interviews and a 30-minute introduction by Gore. “An Inconvenient Truth” is now available at more than 3,900 Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Club locations nationwide. Customers also will have the option of purchasing a DVD package, which includes the documentary and a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). CFLs, which are available exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Clubs locations, conserve energy, save money for consumers and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
To learn more about The Climate Project and how to get involved, visit www.theclimateproject.org.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, more than 176 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, Sam’s Clubs or a subsidiary location in 15 countries around the world. In each of the countries where Wal-Mart operates, the company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of operating globally and giving back locally. Wal-Mart is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to these local communities. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmartstores.com or www.walmartfoundation.org.