Wal-Mart: The face of "local" in 2010?
AP Photo/Paul Sakuma
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It's 2010, and today's business landscape reflects a burgeoning number of eco-friendly, socially-mindful ventures. But could a big box chain store be one of them?
Below are three companies who want to make the workplace a kinder, greener, and even more "local" place. As the year (and decade) progress, it will be interesting to see how much demand their services garner - and if your own company contacts them for assistance. Seeing as how you probably opened up this post for the mention of Wal-Mart alone, let's start there.
1. Wal-Mart
Apparently wants to go local. I know what you're thinking: "Eek! No! Wal-Mart, local? Pfft!" But here's the deal. A Chicago Wal-Mart just started offering rental space to local mom-and-pop outfits. Currently, a local dog groomer resides there. The company intends to open up more local rental space in their stores all over the country, effectively transitioning Wal-Mart from mega chain store to mega chain store and property provider.
Hmm.
We've discussed Wal-Mart's Sustainability Index here on Planet Green before. The comments we received on that post were generally skeptical, ranging from: "Sigh, smoke and mirrors?" to "Sustainable for whom?" One thing many of you pointed out is how Wal-Mart's supposed commitment to sustainability clashes with their dependence on goods from foreign, very far away countries (i.e. China).
But would Wal-Mart's possible fiefdom model of local businesses change your perception? Would you spend money at a local business housed inside a Wal-Mart? Perhaps most pressing: If you owned a local biz, would you consider shelling out for cheap rental space inside a Wal-Mart?
2. The Neat Company
Let's move into less complicated business territory: Cutting down on paper usage! That's a subject we can pretty much all agree on, and The Neat Company helps you achieve it. Originally born from a receipt digitizing business, The Neat Company now provides hardware and software to help digitize all of your paper files. Once you've installed their products, you can recycle all that paper clutter for good and keep your records in one centralized, searchable place.
"What we have seen in practice is that getting rid of paper becomes contagious," says Kevin Garton, Chief Marketing Officer at The Neat Company. "Once you become comfortable with the digital copy you begin to look for ways to remove paper from your processes. The IRS accepts digital copies of records for tax purposes, and we know it's a growing trend to do so because it saves money and it's better for the environment."
The Neat Company doesn't just want to digitize your files, though. They aim for offices to reduce ink, power, and time spent on recreating and searching for those elusive paper documents (expense reports, client contracts....take-out menus).
"Our products have a dual value proposition - they are good for the environment because you use less paper, reduce ink usage and reduce power consumption," says Garton. "And, they help companies save money. Digital files are easier to search and find so it's a more efficient type of storage and saves you time by not searching for misplaced documents. Instead of printing or photo copying documents and mailing them, you can scan and email so you save on paper, ink, stamps, fuel, etc."
Will we see more paperless offices in the future? This one seem's like a no-brainer, but then again, maybe not. Will brides embrace paperless, digital stationary for wedding invitations? Will readers set down their novels and embrace the Kindle? I predict The Neat Company has a long, successful run ahead, but I will be even more intrigued to watch the evolution of paper-peddling companies.
3. Non-Profit Purchasing Group
Are you listening, non-profits? Because this is pretty genius. The Non-Profit Purchasing Group offers discounted rates on office supplies and other high-use workplace items, through partnerships with traditional (very much FOR profit) suppliers. Think Office Depot, SurveyMonkey, Stamps.com, GoToMeeting.com, Hertz and Hyatt Hotels. The thinking is this: by harnessing the purchasing power of several non-profits all at once, NPPG is able to offer "group discounts" on the items those of us in the traditional corporate world take for granted: paper clips, envelopes, pens, car rental for business trips, etc.
To get in on the action, an interested non-profit does have to pay a fee to join NPPG. But they'll make it back, and quickly. The site has a saving calculator which totals up just how much you'll save on your office expenses, recouping that fee faster that you can say "Salvation Army."
The only modest suggestion I might have for NPPG is their somewhat ho-hum company name. But! Savings are sexy in and of themselves, so overall, A+ for you, NPPG.
Thoughts on these companies, Planet Green readers?
More on businesses for social responsibility
How to Go Green: Investing
At IIDEX: Revive Socially Responsible Recycling
Is Walmart The Most AND Least Responsible Company?
