Sears & Kmart Join Wal-Mart, Target In PVC Reduction Programs
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 12.13.07
Short design-life products made of PVC have been a common, inexpensive, and functional choice for almost 50 years. But, vinyl can also be a risky choice of material for objects often handled by consumers, posing a risk of lead exposure, especially if made in China.
Activist groups can't fight the Vinyl Dragon, but they certainly are meeting with some success in persuading US-based retailers to design and sell products made of materials that pose a lower risk.
Sparked by a national campaign led by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ), together with a coalition of health and environmental organizations, today Sears Holdings (Sears and Kmart) has announced its plans to begin phasing out products and packaging containing the toxic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, commonly known as vinyl. Sears and Kmart join Wal-Mart and Target, in reducing and phasing out PVC in products and packaging. Target's policy was just announced last month. Sears Holdings, the publicly traded parent of Kmart and Sears, Roebuck and Co., is the nation's sixth-largest retailer with over $50 billion in annual revenues and approximately 3,800 retail stores in the United States and Canada.Sears Holdings has announced it is working to reduce and phase out PVC in its packaging and merchandise, including encouraging vendors to label their PVC-free merchandise. Additionally, Sears is working to identify safer, more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to PVC and incorporate them into the design and manufacturing process for private label merchandise and packaging.
To view Sears' PVC policy and plans look here.
Via::Center for Health, Environment & Justice Image credit::">vinyl computer bag by Sears
I work in retail and I must say, I have praying for the day when retail giants would embrace better choices for the enviroment and for the health of the customers. I hope more positive changes will come down the pipe and placed in effect in every store.
Just the other day I bought a Dr. Scholl's shoe insert and realized that it was packaged in #3 PVC. I called their customer service line to let them know my opinion, and they took my information and said they would forward the message on to the proper people.
These companies won't stop unless consumers let it be known that we are aware and know how to use our purchasing power!