Wal-Mart to phase out illegal wood sources

The world's largest retailer is joining a World Wildlife Fund initiative to improve management of valuable and threatened forests. Wal-Mart said it would begin by cataloguing the sources of wood used in its wood furniture. The company set a goal of five years to eliminate wood from sources that aren't well managed.

Wal-Mart says the move is part of its sustainability program, by which the Bentonville-based company is working to save energy, reduce packaging and take other steps to conserve resources.

World Wildlife Fund Vice President Suzanne Apple credited Wal-Mart with answering its call to action to support responsible forestry.