Plastic waste polluting water sources has been removed in New York.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF NEW YORK STATE
AFP reported on November 16 that the state of New York in the US is suing PepsiCo in an attempt to accuse the beverage and snack food giant of being partly responsible for plastic waste in the area that supplies water to New York City.
The civil lawsuit, filed by New York State Attorney General Letitia James in the state's superior court, alleges that PepsiCo contributed to a "public nuisance" on the Buffalo River.
Additionally, the lawsuit seeks to impose financial penalties and compel the company to pay damages, and to cease selling single-use plastic items that do not include warnings about environmental concerns.
"Every New Yorker has a basic right to clean water, yet PepsiCo's irresponsible packaging and marketing endanger the water supply, the environment, and public health," according to Ms. James.
PepsiCo says it is "serious" about reducing plastic and has been transparent in its efforts.
"This is a complex issue that requires the involvement of many stakeholders, including businesses, local authorities, waste reduction service providers, community leaders, and consumers," according to a company spokesperson.
The spokesperson said PepsiCo has been working in New York to address community needs, and has also worked effectively with numerous communities across the country and remains committed to doing so.
A survey by Ms. James's office found that PepsiCo's plastic packaging is by far the largest source of plastic waste pollution in the Buffalo River, three times greater than the packaging of the next largest polluter, McDonald's.
Unexpected rock formations are causing concern among scientists on a deserted Brazilian island.
The lawsuit alleges that plastic "causes widespread harm to the public and the state of New York," and points to the presence of microplastics in humans and fish.
Health problems associated with plastic include premature puberty in women, reduced sperm count, altered reproductive function, obesity, altered sexual behavior, and increased rates of certain cancers, according to the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs acknowledge the company's commitments to taking action to reduce plastic pollution, but allege that PepsiCo has repeatedly failed to fulfill those commitments.
Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that PepsiCo failed to offer substantial alternatives to single-use plastics in the New York market. In contrast, PepsiCo has implemented reusable or returnable glass and plastic programs in international markets including Mexico and Germany, according to the complaint.
Source link
Comment (0)