Walmart is Not the Devil -- Plus Other Guilt-Free Retailers

I've been researching the "greening" of companies non-stop this year in an attempt to give my holiday shopping an eco-makeover. Sure, there are times when shopping local is entirely affordable, but what about the times when you have to buy big-box? Luckily, I've found three of today's top corporations that are making huge strides in providing an eco-friendly shopping experience for you. Curious to find out? I guarantee you'll be mighty surprised...

1. Walmart
Yes, I'm serious. America's second-largest corporation is growing greener by the minute with its pledge to donate $500 million per year toward reducing the carbon footprint of its 7,800 stores. Doing the math, that's a $64,000 donation per store. Amazing. And that's not all.

According to Walmart.com, the mega-chain's commitment to locally grown produce is helping to reduce "food miles" – the distance food travels from farm to fork. Better still are Walmart's efforts to provide the average consumer with sustainable products in stores nationwide.

Guilt-free product highlight? GE Energy Smart Compact Flourescent Lightbulb, $12, Walmart

2. Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Your car rental just got greener. With over 25 percent of its 927,000 vehicles getting at least 32 miles per gallon, Enterprise is the most fuel-efficient car rental company in America. Even better? Enterprise, in a partnership with Arbor Day Foundation, recently pledged $50 million to plant 50 million trees within the next fifty years.

Perhaps more importantly, Enterprise is empowering its customers to take eco-action with its Carbon Offset Program, which generated $220,000 toward certified offset projects in its first year.

Guilt-free product highlight? Toyota Prius Hybrid, $95/day, Enterprise

3. General Electric
GE began its quest for energy efficiency in 2005 with the release of 17 products geared toward the environment. Today, its product range covers nearly 60 eco-friendly products through what GE has coined "eco-imagination." And imaginative it is indeed. GE is currently investing in Masdar City, the world's first ecoimagination center, which will promote sustainable business solutions worldwide.

Guilt-free product highlight? GE Harmony Washer, $800, GE

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