Why Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) Isn’t the Worst

3. Zero waste
I laughed when I read Wal-Mart was trying to move to a zero-waste model. Laughed, Fools. A little cynicism goes a long way sometimes, but while I was laughing Wal-Mart was discovering a new revenue stream. By ramping up recycling efforts, donating food to local food banks, and recovering cooking oil, the company has reduced waste by 80% at its U.S. operations. In 2011, that was good for an extra $231 million. Who’s laughing now?

Zero waste is not only possible for Wal-Mart, but many other companies in other industries as well. MillerCoors — the Molson Coors Brewing Company (NYSE:TAP) and SABMiller joint venture — has four U.S. breweries that are now landfill-free, meaning the company sends zero waste to landfills. It’s flagship Golden, Colo., brewery used to send 135 tons of garbage to a landfill every month, but no more!

If a brewery can do it, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) can do it. And so can all your other investments.

Bottom line
Wal-Mart comes up short in a lot of ways, but energy and environmental progressivism isn’t one of them. This article needn’t change your opinion of the company, but it should make you think about what sort of energy initiatives are possible at your own investments.

The article 3 Reasons Wal-Mart Isn’t the Worst originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Aimee Duffy.

Fool contributor Aimee Duffy has no position in any stocks mentioned. If you have the energy, follow her on Twitter where she goes by @TMFDuffy. The Motley Fool recommends Intel and Molson Coors Brewing (NYSE:TAP) Company. The Motley Fool owns shares of General Electric Company and Intel.

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