New York State has filed a lawsuit against PepsiCo, alleging the company’s contribution to plastic pollution along Buffalo River is causing water contamination and harming wildlife.
The lawsuit claims PepsiCo is the largest identifiable contributor to this issue.
PepsiCo’s representative informed the media about their commitment to reducing plastic use, emphasizing their transparency in this effort.
Recently, Coca-Cola, Danone, and Nestle also faced accusations of misleading statements regarding their plastic bottles.
This legal action against PepsiCo comes amidst a wave of lawsuits targeting major corporations for environmental impact.
Accusations of “greenwashing,” where products are labeled as more eco-friendly than they are, have arisen, potentially misleading consumers aiming to make environmentally conscious choices.
Attorney General Letitia James emphasized that no company, regardless of size, should neglect their responsibility to prevent environmental and public health damage.
A survey conducted by the Attorney General’s office found that among identifiable brands in waste collected along the Buffalo River, over 17% of plastic trash was attributed to PepsiCo.
New York state highlighted that PepsiCo produces numerous beverage and snack brands primarily packaged in single-use plastic containers.
PepsiCo responded by stating their commitment to reducing plastic use and promoting effective recycling, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort involving businesses, municipalities, waste-reduction providers, community leaders, and consumers.
The lawsuit underlines concerns about microplastics detected in Buffalo’s drinking water, which can potentially lead to various adverse health effects, ranging from reproductive issues to neurotoxic effects.
Source-BBC
