Sustainability: beyond recycling an exploratory study of retailer's environmental efforts in the USA
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Abstract This paper explores the environmental efforts of retailers in the United States to reduce their impact on the planet. A sample of thirty five annual reports and corporate social responsibility reports from eight retailers were analyzed. Findings suggest that at a strategic level all sample retailers commit to integrating waste minimization goals into their operations. Target, Wal-Mart, Albertson and Safeway were the most successful. This study also suggests that specialty stores and department stores environmental commitments are more aspirational than operational.
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How to Cite
Meriem, C. & Ling, H.. (2012). Sustainability: beyond recycling an exploratory study of retailer's environmental efforts in the USA. Journal of Business and Retail Management Research, Volume 05 Issue 2.
Citation Context
APA
Meriem, C. & Ling, H.. (2012). Sustainability: beyond recycling an exploratory study of retailer's environmental efforts in the USA. Journal of Business and Retail Management Research, Volume 05 Issue 2.
MLA
Meriem, Chida, and He, Ling. "Sustainability: beyond recycling an exploratory study of retailer's environmental efforts in the USA." Journal of Business and Retail Management Research, Volume 05 Issue 2, 2012.
Chicago
Chida Meriem and He, Ling. "Sustainability: beyond recycling an exploratory study of retailer's environmental efforts in the USA." Journal of Business and Retail Management Research Volume 05 Issue 2 (24 Feb 2012).
Harvard
Meriem, C. & Ling, H. (2012) Sustainability: beyond recycling an exploratory study of retailer's environmental efforts in the USA. Journal of Business and Retail Management Research, Volume 05 Issue 2
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