Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott Announces Ban On PVC

Wal-Mart CEO and eco-convert Lee Scott announces that beginning in 2009, the mega-chain will no longer sell any item made of PVC. The impacts will be felt globally.

1 minute read

April 1, 2006, 1:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"Wal-Mart recently announced that it would sell organic clothes, build green stores, and phase out some petroleum-based packaging. But now CEO and eco-convert Lee Scott has taken things a step further. Beginning in 2009, the mega-chain will no longer sell any item made of PVC.

...Seems Scott has instructed his suppliers to find alternative materials for everything from lawn furniture to shower curtains. "Are we, or are we not, the world's largest corporation?" Scott reportedly thundered at a recent employee rally. "If we say no PVC, then we'll find a way." Experts estimate the gigantarific retailer's withdrawal from the PVC market could have a global economic impact in the neighborhood of $15 billion a year."

[No, not really. This story is from Grist Magazine's 2006 April Fool's issue.]

Thanks to Grist Magazine

FULL STORY: Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott announces ban on PVC

Saturday, April 1, 2006 in Wall Street Journal (via Grist)

Environment United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.