Which is More Sustainable Business: Walmart or Amazon?

The market for environmentally friendly practices is increasing. Consumers are now keeping businesses responsible for their goods and business practices.

Strong powers are now scrutinizing companies like Walmart and Amazon. Millennials with a lot of money are one of these forces.

As a result, these two behemoths are making movements. They're establishing a reputation as good corporate citizens.

Continue reading to find out which store, between Amazon and Walmart, is doing more.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is in Hot Seat

Amazon wears its sustainability practices on its sleeve in the Amazon vs Walmart sustainability fight. According to company leaders, business is now about more than just increasing shareholder value.

It also entails the development of job opportunities. It's all about helping the world, according to Amazon executives. It's all about giving consumers something of worth.

Amazon has created the Amazon Climate Pledge in this spirit. Some critics, however, believe Amazon's promise is insufficient.

Jeff Bezos, the company's CEO, declared his climate pledge on Instagram. He said that he will contribute $10 billion to the fight against climate change. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has announced that he will donate to the Bezos Earth Project.

The Bezos Earth Fund's mission is to help environmental activists. However, rather than donating money, critics want Amazon to take action. Bezos responds by stating that any attempt to help the world is a good thing.

Bezos downplays Amazon's massive influence on the retail industry. The company's effects, however, is so significant that it's been dubbed the "Amazon Effect."

Similarly, Bezos argues that one-day shipping is better for the climate. When opposed to customers driving to malls, it seems that online shopping is superior. Some scholars, however, disagree.

As customers shop on Amazon, they have the impression that they are helping the world. After all, they aren't jumping into a car and driving to the store using fossil fuel.

Many citizens, however, are unaware that delivery drivers must use petrol in order to deliver their packages. It's easy to overlook the connection because of the ease of online shopping.

Of course, the CEO of Amazon is aware of this. As a result, the company's climate change program emphasizes lowering its carbon footprint.

Walmart Goes For It

When it comes to sustainability, Walmart is almost secretive when compared to Amazon. Employees and the corporation are on the same page. They work together to prioritize sustainability over benefit.

To put it another way, when it comes to green policies, Walmart doesn't just talk the talk—they walk the walk. Walmart's sustainability efforts are now proving to be a thorn in Amazon's eye.

The corporation has increased its environmental activities in recent months. It's about putting in place long-term solutions. It has added 120 electric car charging stations to its retail stores, for example.

Walmart has since implemented sustainable purchasing practices. It, for example, buys from privately owned coffee producers that use sustainable practices.

Walmart contributes to the environment as well. The organization has so far put money into 36 community solar gardens.

Overall, Walmart performs admirably in terms of environmental stewardship. It does not, however, promote its environmentally friendly activities.

Instead, the organization concentrates its sustainability PR efforts on environmentally friendly packaging and recycling. This strategy makes sense from a business perspective. It's one of Amazon's most serious flaws.

Who Will Win the Sustainability Fight Between Walmart and Amazon?

“Is Walmart better than Amazon when it comes to sustainability?” one might ask. The response to this question can be found in how the two businesses began their sustainability journeys.

When it comes to the beginning of the Amazon vs. Walmart sustainability fight, Amazon began with data. Business executives realized at some point that they had unexpectedly acquired access to a massive amount of data.

This data contained packaging-related details. It assisted them in reducing operational waste. Amazon was also able to make better use of natural resources thanks to the information.

Walmart, on the other hand, had a different realization. During Hurricane Katrina, the business realized its importance in the community.

The company's role in assisting Hurricane Katrina survivors made it understand its responsibility. Walmart executives believe that giving back to their communities is a smart business decision.

In addition, the organization has made significant progress in lowering its carbon footprint. Walmart has now achieved a quarter of its target of using 100% renewable energy.

Amazon talks about it, but Walmart never does it. Walmart seems to have worked out how to make things possible by collaborating with third parties around the country.

Walmart executives now claim that considering packaging end-of-life is the first step in ensuring supply chain sustainability. As a result of this concept, the organization has opened many on-site recycling centers. Walmart also hosts recycling education activities in-store.

In addition, the company's How2Recycle logo appears on private label items. How2Recycle labels are a structured framework that informs customers about recycling activities. Walmart's Recycle Together program is responsible for the stickers.

Walmart has a Chance to Win

Walmart seems to have the upper hand in outperforming Amazon. With CEO Mark Loehr at the helm, it's no surprise.

The most successful executive is a former Amazon camp soldier. Today, he is the CEO of Walmart. It makes sense to read more about Marc Lore if you want to find out what drives Walmart.

Walmart is now a leader in the field of sustainability. The business, on the other hand, receives sustainability PR through its acts rather than its words.

Officials at the company say they should respond to environmental challenges. They responded in the same way they did in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Walmart will be supplied with 100 percent renewable energy as part of this initiative.

Walmart is now attempting to reduce waste. In addition, the organization is increasing the number of sustainable goods available to consumers.

Walmart's sustainability strategies are guided by these values. Furthermore, Walmart is seeking to boost not just it's own but also its partners' sustainability.

Sustainability is a Big Deal

Amazon and Walmart are also working on achieving their sustainability targets. In any case, the sustainability rivalry between Walmart and Amazon is a positive thing. The planet becomes a healthier place like Walmart and other large retailers like it continue to promote sustainable practices. The good news is that businesses are now paying attention to their effect on the planet.

The activities of large corporations such as Amazon and Walmart have an effect on all. As a result, keeping track of what's going on in the world is a good idea.

Check out the rest of our blog if you enjoyed this article on sustainable business.