Coca-Cola is under fire after a report exposed its ties to fracking operations, which are linked to plastic pollution. Research reveals that several brands, including Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestlé, and Procter & Gamble, have been linked to the Permian Basin of Texas, one of the world’s biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
The fracking process involves breaking apart shale rock to extract natural gas and oil, producing ethane, a key ingredient in plastic production. A recent investigation by Stand.earth found that much of this ethane is shipped overseas for plastic manufacturing. The study highlights the environmental damage caused by fracking, including tremors, contaminated water supplies, and habitat destruction.
Coca-Cola’s involvement with fracking raises concerns about the company’s commitment to reducing plastic use. While the company has pledged to increase its global recycled plastic use to 30-35% by 2035, critics argue that it is not doing enough to address the issue.
The production of plastic contributes to pollution and harm to human health, particularly for children. The UN Environment Program estimates that 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems every year, posing a threat to marine life.
To mitigate this problem, experts recommend using recycled plastics, bio-based plastics, or refillable designs instead of traditional plastics. Companies must be held accountable for their environmental impact and provide transparent information about their packaging materials. Until then, fracking will remain profitable, and greenwashing will continue.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/coca-cola-under-fire-bombshell-113034785.html