Target was recently named the number 19 on Forbes “Most Admired Companies” list in 2009 but recently discovered information may change their image drastically. Target has made a name for themselves as for giving millions to help fund education and help struggling communities. In their efforts to become one of the most recognized retailers in the U.S. they may have overlooked one major thing, the environment. Last month Target settled a 22.5 million dollar lawsuit that was presented in California earlier this year. The suit presented 2 years ago stated “that about 240 Target stores and distribution centers in California…illegally dumped pesticides, paint, aerosols, pool chemicals and other flammable, toxic and corrosive materials into the environment.”(4) Reportedly Target has been disposing all of their products in the same way which would in turn send all their damaged products to landfills and could potentially severely harm the environment. San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis says that “This settlement is only the first step in Target's obligation to clean up its act." Another eye opening study I found said that “Supervising Deputy Attorney General Tim Patterson said investigators in 2009 found hazardous waste in 11 out of 11 loads headed from Target stores to local landfills.”(13) This shows that the lawsuit was much needed and will in turn make a huge positive impact to our environment. As part of their penalty served in California they must pay the 22.5 million in fines and penalties along with funding several supplemental environmental projects in the area. In result the stores are now required to separate their hazardous materials into specifically labeled containers to ensure that they comply with these regulations.
Dear Shane,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic to blog about and for me to read about. I am not too surprised to find out that Target is doing this, but I am surprised at the extent that they are doing it. I am also surprised that this has been discovered just after they were listed on Forbes.
“Another eye opening study I found said that “Supervising Deputy Attorney General Tim Patterson said investigators in 2009 found hazardous waste in 11 out of 11 loads headed from Target stores to local landfills.”” This really stuck out to me because I did not expect the number to be so high. I could not believe that 100% of the loads headed to the landfill contained hazardous waste. This is extremely wrong for Target to do to the environment obviously.
“This shows that the lawsuit was much needed and will in turn make a huge positive impact to our environment.” I absolutely agree with this statement. It is true that this will expose companies and their wrongdoings with hazardous waste. I am glad that the lawsuit was filed in order to do this.
Thank you for writing about this topic and letting the public know what Target and possibly other companies are doing wrong to the environment. I will continue to read your blogs for their shocking content and interesting thought process.
Sincerely,
Bluebird
Dear Writer,
ReplyDeleteThis post really surprised me. When i think of target i think of a pretty decent company. Now I'm not so sure the image i gave them really did any justice. Target seems like a kind of wholesome company, i would have never thought that they would harm our environment.
The statement "illegally dumped pesticides, paint, aerosols, pool chemicals and other flammable, toxic and corrosive materials into the environment.”(4) really astonished me. I couldn't believe that they would dump such dangerous chemicals, instead of separating like they are supposed to. I'm sure if they've been doing it awhile that it hasn't had a very good effect to our environment. I'm glad to no that they are getting punished for what they did.
I also liked the statement "As part of their penalty served in California they must pay the 22.5 million in fines and penalties along with funding several supplemental environmental projects in the area." I know this sounds weird, but this punishment makes me a little happy. Although i do wish they had gotten something a little more severe. Hurting the environment is some serious wrongdoing.
This was a great read. I'm glad i got to read it and find out this information about my wholesome target. I hope to read more interesting topics like this one in the future.
Sincerely,
Klipspringer
Dear Shane,
ReplyDeleteThis is so awful! Those chemicals can do terrible things to the environment. Target should be punished!
I think it's ridiculous that the store couldn't find a better way to conserve their waste or dispose of it properly. With many other companies cutting back in waste, Target should join them. It is way to dangerous for their carelessness to continue.
I'm glad that the were fined a good amount to help the clean-up. It's nice to see something be done to better the community.
Thank you for the great post.
Springbok