According to a recent report, PepsiCo is facing a lawsuit from the state of New York over the amount of plastic waste it produces. The lawsuit accuses the beverage giant of knowingly contributing to the plastic pollution crisis. PepsiCo is just one of the many huge corporations that have faced criticism for their environmentally damaging packaging materials over the years. With the increasing awareness of plastic waste and its effects on the environment, people are demanding changes from companies. But let’s look a little more closely at this current lawsuit against PepsiCo and what this means for the company and the wider public.
The Lawsuit Against PepsiCo
In the lawsuit filed mid-November, the state of New York accuses PepsiCo of polluting the environment and endangering public health. The lawsuit specifically states that the company’s use of single-use plastic bottles, caps, and wrappers is to blame for the toxic pollution affecting New Yorkers. This particular suit is the first of its kind, stemming from a state rather than an environmental organization.
According to New York Attorney General Letitia James, PepsiCo is directly responsible for “generating a significant share of plastic waste found in and near the upstate Buffalo River, including more than 17% of trash that could be readily traced to specific brands.”
James furthers her claims, stating that the company misled the public about its efforts to fight plastic pollution and further endangered consumers by withholding information related to the potential health and environmental hazards of plastics used across the company’s portfolio of more than 100 brands.
But James’ real concern? The breakdown of these plastics in the drinking water sources of millions across the state.
“All New Yorkers have a basic right to clean water, yet PepsiCo’s irresponsible packaging and marketing endanger Buffalo’s water supply, environment, and public health,” James said in a statement to media outlets.
PepsiCo’s Response
PepsiCo has responded to the lawsuit by stating that it is committed to sustainability and has made progress in reducing its plastic use. The company has set a target of using 30% recycled content in its plastic packaging by 2030 and has introduced a range of new products with more sustainable packaging. However, according to the lawsuit, James and the rest of New York is not quite convinced.
The Impact of Plastic Waste
Plastic waste is a major global environmental problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the world’s oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. Plastic waste also contributes to climate change, as it is often made from fossil fuels and requires energy to manufacture. In addition, plastic waste poses a risk to human health, as it contains toxins that can enter the food chain. The increasing awareness of the impact of plastic waste has led to calls for companies to take action to reduce their use of plastics.
A Broader Look at the Fight Against Plastic Pollution
The lawsuit against PepsiCo is part of a wider movement to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the damage caused by plastic waste and are demanding more sustainable products and packaging. Governments and regulators are also starting to take action, with bans on single-use plastics being introduced in countries around the world. The lawsuit against PepsiCo is a reminder that companies need to take action to reduce their environmental impact or face legal and reputational consequences.
What Can We Do?
As individuals, we can make a difference by reducing our use of single-use plastics and choosing products with more sustainable packaging. We can also support companies that are making efforts to reduce their environmental impact and hold those that are not accountable. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and the planet.
Be the Change
If your company is looking to reduce its plastic waste and dependency, we invite you to join Bottleless Nation in our fight. Plastic bottle and jug waste in many companies is a major concern, but our corporate partners are here to help change that with the use of bottleless water coolers. Designed to eliminate single-use bottles and hard-to-recycle jugs in the workplace, bottleless water coolers are not only a sustainable option, they should be the only option!
As an organization, we’re also committed to partnering with local, national, and global charities through the Bottleless Nation Charitable Foundation. By putting our money where our mouth is, we aim to help communities clean up plastic waste and support clean water initiatives that help drive growth in impoverished communities. Want to learn more? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we raise more plastic pollution awareness and tell the tale of what it means to be One Bottleless Nation.
