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Thursday, December 3, 2015
providing information regarding local, regional
and national sustainability opportunities
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Wal-Mart's Quest to a Sustainable Future
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| Lee Scott, Walmart's CEO at the time, kicked off the company's sustainability push in 2005 with a speech on "21st Century Leadership" Photo Credit : Wal-Mart, Inc |
Wal-Mart has always been a force to be reckoned with. A huge proponent of global sustainability, it has been under a lot of heat due to its size and resources. Are they spending money in the right places, giving back to local communities, and providing adequate amenities to employees, buying local, etc?
After ten years spent trying to become leaders in sustainability, previous CEO of the company, Lee Scott stated, "What if we used our size and resources to make this country and this earth an even better place for all of us: customers, associates, our children and generations unborn?" Out of all the aims that were put into motion, there were three that held the most weight:
- To be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy,
- To create zero waste and
- To sell products that sustain our resources and environment.
Though formidable tasks, partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Wal-Mart is making progress. EDF's Elizabeth Sturcken remarks that once a big company takes the step in the sustainable direction and sticks to it, the ripple effect is remarkable. They have been able to save $2.4 million a year in shipping costs by reducing the amount of product packaging on toys. The company has installed store balers to recycle plastic packaging, and added auxiliary power units to trucks, which has resulted in $20 million savings annually in fuel costs. With accomplishments achieved and those to come, the synergistic relationship is one that is sure to help the companies throughout the world create a more sustainable system so everyone and everything to live resiliently.
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Who is your farmer? Local Farmers Markets
Summertime is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of what our local farmers markets have to offer! Get your fill of fresh produce, local fare, and live entertainment! Click here to view some of the farmers market events in the area!
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November 15th - December 15th
Currently in its 9th year, Lowcountry Local First's Buy Local Month aims to educate the public and shift consumer spending, keeping holiday dollars flowing within our local economy. Keep an eye out for one of the 3 hidden golden tickets in Sweeteeth chocolate bars as you shop local.
Visit the Lowcountry Local First website for more information!
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Natural Investments and Fossil Free Portfolios
Sierra Club
MUSC Baruch Auditorium, 284 Calhoun Street
December 3rd
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Natural Investments offers fossil-fuel-free portfolios which allow you to put your money to work in the fight to stop climate change. We'll discuss some direct ways you can make sure that your financial decisions aren't propping the fossil fuel industry and discuss some ways we can leverage our collective goals to make some real progress in the fight to stop climate change.
Click here to learn more.
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Arbor Day
Fort Johnson Middle School Front Lawn
1825 Camp Road
December 4th
1:00 p.m.
Come join the community in the fun event sponsored by James Island Pride and the Town of James Island. There will be student poetry, tree planting, and a live performance by the Fort Johnson Middle School Band!
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Cape Romain Wildlife Cleanup
December 5th
12:30 p.m.
Join Wounded Nature - Working Veterans and help clean up the beautiful wildlife of Cape Romain! The volunteer group will be meeting at the Buckhill Campground and Boat Launch and will be moving from there!
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SHARE FAIR: "Give Good Stuff, Get Good Stuff & Be Grateful!"
December 5th @1510 Truxton Ave
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Have things in your house that you don't have room for anymore? Come to the Share Fair and participate in the free exchange of furnishings, clothing, small appliances, and more while enjoying live music and food vendors! The goal is to encourage people to experience sharing in a hands-on way and bring people together in a unique (and eco-friendly!) way during what can be a stressful part of the year. If you have temporary storage space (garage, warehouse, etc.) in North Charleston, access to a truck or two on the Friday before the event, would like to volunteer during the events, or if you have further questions, please contact Todd at toddchas@gmail.com.
Click here
for more details and associated events!
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Homegrown Holiday Bazaar
Johns Island Farmers Market
3546 Maybank Highway
December 5th
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join the Johns Island Farmers Market for the Homegrown Holiday Bazaar! An afternoon full of holiday shopping, silent auctions, hayrides, games, food trucks, beer, wine, and live music from the V-Tones of Charleston. All funds raised will help support Homegrown Johns Island Farmers Market and Sea Islands Chamber of Commerce.
Want to Volunteer?
Want to Sponsor an Activity? Email Karen@seaislandchamber.org or Call (843) 345-9971
Want to be a Vendor? Email Frasier.marketmanager@gmail.com or Call (336) 601-0605
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Robert Swan Guest Lecture
Sciences Auditorium, SSMB 129
December 9th
4:00 p.m
Robert Swan is a polar explorer, environmentalist, and the first man to walk to the North and South Poles unsupported. He believes "the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."
Click here to visit his organization's website, 2041,
named for the date when the world's moratoriums on mining and drilling in Antarctica will expire.
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MUSC Urban Farm
Corner of Bee & President Streets
Wednesdays 7:30 - 8:30 am - Early Bird Maintenance
Thursdays 4 - 5pm - Sunset Work & Learn
1st and 3rd Saturdays 9 - 11 am - Family-Friendly Work & Learn
Click here to check out the MUSC Urban Farm website
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Green Heart Gardens
Mitchell Elementary School
2 Perry Street
Wednesdays 5 - 7pm
These sessions are open to friends, family and neighbors alike, so grab a buddy and come get dirty in the garden for a few hours with us! Open to anyone regardless of gardening experience. Adults, kids, families, neighbors, etc. are all welcome! Click here to learn more.
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