Wal-Mart's blog - Check it out

Wal-Mart's "Check Out" blog authored by some of its own buyers is attracting media interest. From a story in the NYT:

Known for its strict, by-the-books culture — accepting a cup of coffee from a supplier can be a firing offense — Wal-Mart is now encouraging its merchants to speak frankly, even critically, about the products the chain carries.
This unusual new Web site, which was quietly created during the holiday shopping season, has become a forum for unvarnished rants about gadgets, raves about new video games and advice on selecting environmentally sustainable food.

TK: I will bring the RSS feed for the Wal-Mart blog into Fresh Talk. The site appears to be getting a good amount of traffic, as one would expect Here is a profile from one of the authors for the sustainability blog:

About Rand Waddoups

I am a senior director at Wal-Mart looking after the most exciting thing happening in business today, sustainability. Several months ago, I joined a small team dedicated to building sustainability into every part of Wal-Mart's business strategy. We are doing this by focusing on three big future goals: 1) to have zero waste, 2) to use 100% renewable energy, and 3) to bring more sustainable products to our customers. I fell in love with this work because I am a father, a husband, a believer in the business opportunity of sustainability, and an old boy scout who wants to leave it better than I found it.

Before working on sustainability, I spent many years as a buyer/category manager where I worked on all kinds of food products; from fresh brussel sprouts to flaming-hot cheese puffs. I really enjoy the opportunity to teach others the personal and financial benefits of sustainability. Accordingly, I want you to know what I have chosen as a Personal Sustainability Practice (PSP)---I compost and planted a garden; “What's your PSP?”