Archive for August 1st, 2009

Is Big Business Killing Our Planet?

August 1st, 2009

We are destroying the planet. We know it. That’s why being “green” is such a movement these days.

First, here’s my personal philosophy on being “green”.
I try to do my part. I recycle. I try to choose organic foods and chemical free cleaning supplies. I conserve electricity by unplugging everything not in use. These and lots of other small things have become second nature to me. I don’t think these small things are too much to ask. As I learn of new ways that I can contribute to the healing of my Earth Mother, I implement them into my daily life. This is my way of life. This is something important to me.

world (250 x 250)

Now, here’s my current observation.
I have been inside two separate Kmart stores in the past week. The first time I spent roughly $100 and I received 4 feet, yes 48 inches of paper receipt and survey phone numbers and coupons. The second time was just this morning and I spent only $10 and I received one coupon short of 4 feet of paper. Both times I stood in silence simply stunned by the waste being spit out by the cash register.

Both times, the cashier also stared in disbelief and something resembling embarrassment.

I’m appalled by such policies. Especially in such a large corporation. If only one million people in the world go to Kmart in one day, which is a gross under estimate, that’s FOUR MILLION FEET OF RECEIPT PAPER!! Receipt paper that most people wad up and pitch in the nearest trash can or shove in their purse for later disposal.

If one person, like you or me, doing little things in daily life can make a difference, then a HUGE corporation like Sears Holdings Corporation (YEAH! SEARS!!) can make a massive impact.

I am emailing their customer service to suggest greener business practices and I implore you to do the same. So many people have computers and sign up for emails and newsletters and store fliers, there’s no logical reason to be so wasteful with our trees.

~Copied from http://www.kmart.com~
E-Mail us with questions or comments.
help@customerservice.kmart.com

Here is my letter sent at 1:20pm EST.


To Whom it May Concern,

I recently visited 2 different Kmart stores. Both times as I left the register, I was given FOUR FEET of paper receipt with coupons and survey info and all around junk. It was like being hit with junk mail. I found it irritating.

Aside from the pure annoyance of it, it was one of the most disgusting wastes of paper I’ve ever seen. With today’s technology and  the green movement spreading in an attempt to save our planet, one would think a large corporation, such as yours, would want to be a part of this revolution.

I don’t claim to know anything about running a corporation, but it seems to me that NOT printing out 4 feet of receipt per person would be a money saver. Most people crumple it up and pitch it anyway. It’s just wasteful.

To do my part in living a green life and saving OUR planet, I intend to boycott your corporation just to save the paper. I also intend to blog about it. I know you may not even notice the missing sales and that’s okay because my intention isn’t to harm you company. My intention is to simply save some trees and OUR planet and to raise awareness of the importance of living a conscious life.

Please consider promoting your business in a greener way. I know consumers care and in the long run, I believe consumers will care more about corporations who care. I know I do.

Thank you for considering my opinion. I hope you have a wonderful day.

One Tree at a Time,
El Baugher


Related Resources
Green Cost Cutting
Michael Recycle
Don’t Throw It Out
Eco Craft: Recycle Recraft Restyle

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