Traditional costs include expenses like supplies, energy and packaging. But the net true cost considers issues such as waste-to-landfill, greenhouse gas emissions, economic mobility, worker safety and food safety. These are all examples of the effects production may have on the environment, in local communities, or on the people who grow and make what we sell. We believe a business should strive for not just the lowest prices, but the lowest true cost for all.



Low prices benefit customers, but low true costs benefit everyone.To do this, we can't sit on the sidelines until after a product is made. Walmart's role is unique. We have a large presence in the world, and with that presence comes great opportunity to change how business is done. In addition to tackling social and environmental issues in our own operations, we need to actively engage in and reshape the systems in which we work. 

This report shares what we are doing in three main areas:

Creating economic opportunity for our associates, suppliers and people who work in retail and retail supply chains beyond Walmart
Enhancing the sustainability of our operations and product supply chains for people and the planet
Building strong communities where we operate