According to a new report, Wal-Mart is among the most criticized companies. They are widely criticized in the news media for environmental, societal, and health impacts. Of course, this isn't terribly surprising. Wal-Mart has never been all that interested in gaining a good reputation on any of these topics. It wasn't until recently that Wal-Mart claimed they were green, but despite their new PR talking points, Wal-Mart's actions speak for themselves. You can't expect a good reputation on health when you don't offer adequate health care to your employees, and import dangerous toys from China (including lead tainted toys and toys with dangerous chemicals in them). You can't expect a good reputation on community impact when you are responsible for closing down local stores and shipping American jobs overseas. And you can't expect a good reputation on the environment when your business model is based on selling lots of cheap stuff shipped from around the world.

If Wal-Mart really wants to rehabilitate their image and not be criticized so much, they have to do more than just talk a good game. They have to change their actions. We hope they do, but until then, the criticism isn't likely to stop.

Here's the article from The China Post:

Wal-Mart, China milk firm on most-criticized list

BERLIN -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s biggest retailer, and Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd. have been named to a list of the largest companies most criticized for their impacts on the environment, health and communities.

Wal-Mart was blamed for contaminants found in its bottled water last month while Fonterra, a New Zealand diary, has been involved in a scandal over tainted milk in China, according to a study by RepRisk, a consulting firm that analyzes companies’ exposure to controversial issues and news.

Other companies named in the study include BP Plc, whose refinery in Indiana was singled out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for higher air pollution leading to asthma and heart disease, Exxon Mobil Corp., Monsanto Co. and BAE Systems Plc.