Blog entry

Click here to look at the videos http://adsoftheworld.com/media/tv/walmart_silk
I just had a chance to look at Wal-Mart’s new “eco-friendly” advertising. Now when one thinks of companies leading the way to help protect the environment, any company comes to mind before Wal-Mart, even Enron comes to mind before Wal-Mart. Knowing that this is the perception of their brand, Wal-Mart is trying to change the opinion of consumers and get them to view the retail giant as “eco-friendly.” (Read this Article)
The first of the two ads I viewed argues that if all of the 200 million Wal-Mart customers (that number is extremely intimidating) changed their light bulbs to environmentally friendly florescent light bulbs, it would be like taking over 11 million cars off the road. Another touts that if the 200 million Wal-Mart customers (that is two thirds of America) bought organic coffee at Sam’s Club, it would be like stopping 130 million pounds of chemicals from going into the earth. Each of the ads is filmed in front of some type of natural background; it looks forced and corny.
Wal-Mart is trying to find a seat on the environmental bandwagon, which thankfully is a massive bandwagon that can accommodate many people/companies. Wal-Mart’s eager attempt to clean up their image will most likely fall on deaf ears. I am certain of this because even in the new ads by the company they tout the economical benefits of purchasing environmentally friendly products. Wal-Mart is arguing that “Going Green” can lead a consumer to save some green. (Or blueish violet if you have the new 5 dollar bill)
What is missing in all of the ads is honesty. Wal-Mart is not a brand that solicits goodwill from typical Americans, rather it, to many, represents everything wrong with capitalism. This may just be a Northern California boy’s opinion, but if Wal-Mart really wanted to go green, then they must sacrifice the only thing that they truly love and cherish, they need to sacrifice profits in the name of the environment. Some thing few people think they will ever do.