Walmart Canada launches sustainable jewellery program

TerraCycle collection made from 100 per cent recycled sterling silver

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 20 /CNW/ - Walmart Canada today announced the launch of its first line of sustainable jewellery. The TerraCycle collection is made using recycled, third-party certified sterling silver. The introduction of the program supports the company's long-term sustainability goal to sell products that sustain people and the environment.

"We know our customers are looking for more sustainable choices and green products at unbeatable prices," said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility for Walmart Canada. "The TerraCycle collection brings customers beautiful and affordable jewellery that is also helping sustain resources and the environment."

TerraCycle is an eco-friendly manufacturer of products made from waste materials.

Using non-virgin silver to make the jewellery is more environmentally preferable because it does not need to be extracted or heavily processed. Precious metals like sterling silver can be recycled repeatedly with no degradation in quality. The TerraCycle collection is made using recycled, third-party certified silver by Hoover & Strong Harmony Metal and Gems, an earth-minded refiner and manufacturer of environmentally-responsible products. Over half of Hoover & Strong's metal supply comes entirely from scrap metal purchased from jewelers. The remainder of its supply comes from refineries that also recycle scrap metal.

TerraCycle jewellery is available at 200 Walmart Canada store locations nationally. The collection includes fashion pendants and earrings, in popular styles, and ranges in price from $16 to $29. The jewellery is rhodium-plated to preserve the finish of the polished silver and to protect it from natural tarnishing.

Store-wide, Walmart Canada carries over 1000 environmentally preferable products, across categories like cleaning products and food. It continues to work with existing and new suppliers to expand its selection of green products at unbeatable prices.

Walmart has three long-term sustainability goals globally: to produce zero waste; to be powered 100 per cent by renewable energy; and to sell products that sustain people and the environment.

About Walmart Canada

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Walmart Canada operates 317 retail outlets nationwide and serves more than one million customers daily. The company's vision is to demonstrate environmental leadership by reducing the ecological impact of its operations through company-wide programs focused on waste, energy and products, as well as outreach programs that preserve and enhance local environments. Walmart's global goal is to generate zero waste, to be powered 100 per cent by renewable energy and to sell products that sustain people and the environment.

About TerraCycle

In 2001, Tom Szaky, a Toronto-native and Princeton University Freshman, founded TerraCycle in hopes of building an eco-capitalist company built on waste. After winning countless business plan contests, Tom dropped out of Princeton to pursue his dream of founding the world's most environmentally friendly company. Seven years later, TerraCycle's eco-friendly products have received a myriad of social and environmental accolades and are sold at major retailers like The Home Depot, Wal*Mart and Whole Foods Markets. TerraCycle's business plan and products made from waste received a Zerofootprint Seal of Approval, won The Home Depot's Environmental Stewardship Award twice and recently won the 2007 Social Venture Network Innovation Award. Please visit us at www.terracycle.ca to learn more

For further information: Karin Campbell, manager of corporate affairs, Walmart Canada, [phone] x4042