To measure how its eco-friendly products are faring with consumers, Wal-Mart launched the Wal-Mart Sustainability Live Better Index in 2007. This index allows Wal-Mart to Even during the 2008–2009 economic recession, Wal-Mart tried to portray itself as a firm that cares about green initiatives. It continued to partner with other large companies to promote green jobs. In 2009, Wal-Mart announced its intention to contribute $5.7 million in grants to the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Veterans Green Jobs to support the creation of green jobs in the United States. Wal-Mart expects the money to be used to train the workforce in the growing sector of the green industry. The company believes it is making a profitable investment, as 10 percent of job growth in the United States is expected to be in the “green-collar” sector by 2032. With this investment, Wal- Mart hopes to encourage mayors to promote jobs in their cities’ green industries and provide veterans with training in green skills. It is clear that Wal-Mart is trying to improve its relationship with environmental activists and stakeholders.