Walmart Wants to Help Save the Bees

Research shows about 75% of the major crops grown around the world depend on pollinating animals such as bees, beetles, birds and butterflies. But in the last 30 years, pollinator populations have declined as a result of factors like pollution, pesticides and climate change. As a result, food production may suffer, which means produce like oranges, strawberries and apples could eventually be harder to find. Today, Walmart announced it is making commitments to reduce pollinator threats by promoting integrated pest management (IPM) practices and expanding pollinator habitats. It’s all part of Walmart’s 2020 commitment to become a regenerative company. Pesticides and pollinator habitats For starters, by 2025, Walmart said it will source 100% of its fresh produce and flowers from suppliers that adopt IPM practices verified by third parties. Next, Walmart said by 2025, it will encourage its produce suppliers to protect, restore or establish their own pollinator habitats on at least 3% of land they own, operate and/or invest in and to report annual progress. “We will also continue to avoid selling invasive plant species in our retail stores (based on recognized regional lists),” said Martin Mundo, svp and general merchandise manager of produce and global produce sourcing at Walmart. “And we will work with local organizations to protect, restore or establish pollinator habitats in major pollinator migration corridors.” At Walmart’s new 12-building, 350-acre office campus in Bentonville, Ark., which is opening in phases through 2025, a pollinator garden has been created. More than 75% of the plant species will be pollinator-friendly plants. “Meadows planted near lakes will provide ample undisturbed pollinator foraging habitat as well as important water access and the potential for more intentional nesting habitat spaces for insects, small animals and birds,” Mundo added. Pollinator gardens Twenty-one Walmart stores have their own pollinator gardens, and the retailer intends to establish more of them “where feasible.” Walmart has also partnered with solar developers to establish pollinator habitats near solar panel arrays, such as at a distribution center in Laurens, S.C., and at community solar farms across Minnesota. Walmart is also encouraging suppliers to label pollinator-friendly plants to help educate consumers. “Plants that attract pollinators will feature special tags to help customers grow their own pollinator gardens,” Mundo said. “In total, more than 1.3 million annual and perennial pollinator-promoting plants will carry tags in Walmart stores this spring.” Walmart has committed to help protect, manage or restore at least 50 million acres of land and 1 million square miles of ocean by 2030. Walmart’s CMO on the Power of Intentional Moves and “No Look Backs”

Climate Change

Walmart Wants to Help Save the Bees

Restoring pollinator habitats will help maintain food production

Lisa Lacy

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Lisa Lacy