Changing the Landscape: One Bag At a Time

April 11, 2012 12:00 p.m. Weather: 13 degrees, windy, intermittent cloud/sunshine  Findings: I focused on cleaning up the flats of plastics again, then, up against the fence and a walk around the perimeter of the pond.  It takes much patience to pick up the straws and bottle caps.  I notice that the plastics around the water actually break down into smaller and smaller bits.  These make the picking difficult.  Time to bring in a rake.

April 11, 2012

I spoke to Eric this afternoon.  He is part of a landscaping company that is sub-contracted to sweep and clean up the litter on Home Depot’s frontage.  It’s interesting that for image-sake, the company pays someone else to make them ‘look good’.  Where the garbage is heaped up out of view of the customers, nothing is done.  “Oh”, Eric said, “that is city property, we’re told.”  I am looking forward to working with Home Depot’s team, taking on the stewardship of this grand MESS!

Eric cleaning up the Blvd. When I spoke to him, he said…”This is no easy job.”

The Home Depot Value System as Presented on the Company Website

1. Taking care of our people:

The key to our success is treating people well. We do this by encouraging associates to speak up and take risks, by recognizing and rewarding good performance and by leading and developing people so they may grow.

2. Giving back to our communities:

An important part of the fabric of The Home Depot is giving our time, talents, energy and resources to worthwhile causes in our communities and society.

3. Doing the right thing:

We exercise good judgment by “doing the right thing” instead of just “doing things right”. We strive to understand the impact of our decisions, and we accept responsibility for our actions.

4. Excellent customer service:

Along with our quality products, service, price and selection, we must go the extra mile to give customers knowledgeable advice about merchandise and to help them use those products to their maximum benefit.

5. Creating shareholder value:

The investors who provide the capital necessary to allow our company to grow need and expect a return on their investment. We are committed to providing it.

6. Building strong relationships:

Strong relationships are built on trust, honesty and integrity. We listen and respond to the needs of customers, associates, communities and vendors, treating them as partners.

7. Entrepreneurial spirit:

The Home Depot associates are encouraged to initiate creative and innovative ways of serving our customers and improving the business and to spread best practices throughout the company.

8. Respect for all people:

In order to remain successful, our associates must work in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination and harassment where each associate is regarded as part of The Home Depot team.