For many environments, the name “Wal-Mart” has always caused a stir. The world's largest retailer has been accused of exacerbating suburban sprawl, burning massive amounts of oil through its 10,000-mile supply chain, producing mountains of packaging waste, polluting rivers water with runoff from its construction sites and to encourage free consumption. (And those are just environmental complaints.) But it's precisely Wal-Mart's size and reach that could make it a powerful force for the planet, market watchers and a growing number of activists say . The company controls a large part of the retail market and has such influence over manufacturers that any green initiatives on its part have huge ripple effects. And it's certainly CEO H. Lee Scott's intention to make waves. In October, Scott announced a ridiculously ambitious goal: to transform Wal-Mart into a company running on 100% renewable energy and producing zero waste. Since then, he has impressed the Greens with specific commitments to reduce the company's greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent over the next seven years, double the fuel efficiency of its truck fleet within 10 years, to reduce solid waste from U.S. stores by 25 percent over the next few years. the next three years, and will double the offer of organic foods this spring, selling them at more affordable prices for the general public. Enviros hopes Wal-Mart will have the same revolutionary effect on integrating environmental strategies that it has had on reducing prices. "Wal-Mart's new commitments to increase efficiency and reduce pollution and waste are an important first step for a company that has such a profound impact on our environment," said Sierra Club Executive Director, Carl Pope, in a public statement. “More businesses should be taking these positive steps toward safer, healthier communities.” Amanda Griscom Little recently spoke with Scott about his vision to "democratize sustainability" and listened to his talk about how green strategies would help boost Wal-Mart's bottom line. Question Six a few months ago, you set long-term goals to make Wal-Mart a company powered by 100% renewable energy, creating zero waste, and selling products that conserve our resources and environment. Tell us what motivated you to set these goals. Answer I think two things happened. First, when we looked at our responsibility as one of the largest companies in the world, it became clear that sustainability was an issue that was going to be more important than it was, say, last year and previous years. I had embraced this idea that the global climate is changing and that man has played a role in it, and that Wal-Mart can play a role in reducing man's impact...