According to the Associated Press, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are in hot water after Los Angeles County accused the soda giants of bottling up the truth about their plastic pollution. The suit alleges that the companies promoted a "circular economy" while their plastic bottles are largely unrecyclable after one use.
With Coca-Cola and PepsiCo ranked as top global plastic polluters, the county said these practices contribute significantly to environmental harm, including microplastic pollution.
"Coke and Pepsi need to stop the deception and take responsibility for the plastic pollution problems your products are causing," LA County supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement, per the AP.
The lawsuit seeks to halt deceptive marketing and impose penalties on the companies. These actions would set a precedent that bad corporate practices will be punished before more harm can be caused to the environment and the consumers.
Plastic waste is a critical environmental issue, with tons of plastic leaking into land and oceans annually. Microplastics — tiny particles that form as plastics break down — affect ecosystems, contaminate drinking water, and are found in human tissues.
The lawsuit demands stricter accountability, including an end to deceptive practices and increased penalties. Activists are calling for systemic changes, such as reducing single-use plastics and adopting plastic-free alternatives. Efforts like California's Beverage Container Recycling program and new policies addressing plastic pollution are steps forward.
Individuals can also help by choosing to put their money toward companies that are truly committed to sustainability, not just greenwashing. Though Coca-Cola says its bottles are recyclable, critics argue genuine solutions must include reduced plastic production and stronger commitments to sustainable materials.