In honor of Earth Day, I can't pass up on the opportunity to take a poll.  I was thinking on the way to work today about some of the changes I have made personally since becoming heavily involved in sustainability.  The key areas of opportunity in sustainability have always been in my blood (heck, I grew up with a family that produced over half of the food they consumed in the backyard garden), but sustainability changes the way you think about your relationship with the world. 

If you are reading this blog, my bet is you know what I'm talking about.  Those who recognize the importance of sustainability typically have something in their life they can point to that taught them about their opportunity.  For the last couple years, Wal-Mart has been working to help all its associates learn and become a part of the opportunity.

All that being said, I'd like to ask you a fairly personal question.  What happened in you that made you understand better your responsibility and opportunity in sustainability.  Was it a book?  Was it a family member?  I know it isn't always one thing, but if you had to choose one that really helped you "get it," what would it be? 

Last week was Wal-Mart’s third annual expo focused on sustainable packaging.  Over 150 suppliers of packaging set up booths to educate well over 2000 direct suppliers to Wal-Mart with their buyers. 

At the show I saw some innovative new ideas that have potential to re-shape packaging.  For example, I learned about a new substrate technology that can de-laminate when you pass a current through it (imagine the possibilities for separating different metals or plastic and metal to make both raw commodities that are re-usable).  I also saw a lot of pallet technology including plastic platforms that sit at the base of large boxes named Optiledge. 

I also saw some crazy ideas that got me to thinking.  Since milk somehow keeps popping up in my blogs, I have to throw out this find.  Did you know Canadians buy their milk in bags.  One of the packaging suppliers referred us to this terribly entertaining short film on youtube.  You’ve got to watch these kids, their stars in the making, and it’s a really interesting way to reduce packaging waste.   (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A28LmR-Nn8s)

Then there were some things that made me less than ecstatic.  For example, I was unpleasantly surprised to see the number of biodegradable package solutions on display.  In my opinion, a petroleum-based plastic with a few additives that make it break down is simply not a good idea.  In fact, the carbon footprint work I have seen on these substrates suggest that it’s actually a negative.  Moreover, inside a landfill there is no value to degradation, if it’s even possible.  I know these biodegradables sound promisingly easy…it makes the waste just go away…but this one is on my “not worth it” list.

So, overall I was impressed at the packaging there, and more particularly at the conversations sparking new ideas and new partnerships that will lead to more sustainable alternatives on the shelf.  Plus, I found a new favorite sustainability innovation provoking film from Canada...if you have any, please do share.

The weather is starting to warm up and summer is right around the corner, so what does that mean?  It's time for the big summer blockbusters to start hitting theaters!  Movie licenses are a huge part of the toy industry and are really what keep the shelves fresh.  Last year rocked because of Transformers....this year we have Batman, Indiana Jones, Star Wars Clone Wars, Kung Fu Panda, Ironman, Hulk, Wall-E.  The list goes on and on.  One of the first big theatricals will be on May 9th, kicking off the summer with Speed Racer.

The movie was done by the due that brought us the Matrix trilogy.  It's amazing CGI that really brings you into the world of Speed.  There's a great cast, a lot of action, and plenty of cool cars that translate well into toys...of course!  The toys are in Wal-Mart stores now- everything from cars, track sets, role play, action figures and more. 

In addition to killer graphics and amazing action, you will walk away with a warm fuzzy feeling from the message in the movie.  Is it better to win the right way or cheat to win?  Hope I didn't give away the ending!

Go Speed, Go!!

Since I missed the Kung Fu Panda screening, Becca, one of our Movie Buyers is providing this Blog.  I think she missed her calling, this is movie critic quality!

The month of May is just around the corner and that means hot, summer blockbusters will be coming your way soon! The theatrical slate of movies is shaping up to be strong this year due to the movies being original content, meaning you will not see Spiderman 4, Shrek 4, Pirates 4, etc., (which will most likely be a relief to movie-goers)! This summer is the "summer of comebacks" for both actors and movie franchises. In the action genre, Harrison Ford reprises his role as our favorite, dashing archeologist Indiana Jones; Robert Downey Jr. will attempt to win fans back as the action hero, Ironman; Brendan Fraser will be a full presence in the theaters with Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D and Mummy III. For all the ladies out there who are sick of watching Sex & the City reruns on TBS and the CW, the sassy New Yorkers are back in full force in the Sex & the City Movie. In the comedy world, Adam Sandler will be trying to reclaim his king of the comedies crown with You Don’t Mess with the Zohan and Will Smith takes on another comedic, action hero role in Hancock, which promises to be a hit, if you haven't seen the trailer you need to check it out!

There will also be quite a few family friendly films in theaters including a new Chronicles of Narnia film and a Pixar movie titled Wall-E, but my personal recommendation is that you go see Dreamwork's Kung Fu Panda. We were fortunate enough to screen the movie last week in Bentonville and needless to say, it was a hit with the audience of all ages! This movie is fully engaging and credit is mainly due to the lovable Panda named "Po" who is voiced by the always entertaining Jack Black. Each of the characters are memorable, original, and voiced by a fantastic cast of Angelina Jolie (Master Tigress), Lucy Liu (Master Viper), Dustin Hoffman (Shifu), Jackie Chan (Master Monkey), and Seth Rogen (Master Mantis). The movie is wholesomely entertaining and a safe bet for summer.

What will be your favorite this year?
Iron Man, May 2
Speed Racer, May 9
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, May 16
Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, May 23
Sex & the City, May 30
You Don't Mess with the Zohan, June 6
Kung Fu Panda, June 6
The Incredible Hulk, June 13
Wall-E, June 27
Hancock, July 4
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D, July 11
Batman, The Dark Knight, July 18
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, August 1

 April New Releases

April 1
Alvin and the Chipmunks – our 2 pack is a CD
Sweeney Todd

April 8
Water Horse:  Legend of the Deep
Walk Hard:  The Dewey Cox Story
There Will Be Blood
Lions for Lambs

April 15
Alien v Predator:  Requiem
Juno

April 22
Charlie Wilson’s War
Cloverfield
One Missed Call

April 29
27 Dresses
Golden Compass

OK, I know this is posted late, so I hope you all will cut me some slack.  :)