This example of greenwashing is not as disgusting as some we’ve seen. But as the user from the Greenwashing index suggested, the implication of this ad is the troublesome part.
Coca-Cola is not “green” or eco-friendly in any way. We looked into the company’s eco record and found the following.
The pros: We found this program, a collaboration between Coke and Ecoist that seeks to repurpose misprinted bottles and cans.
They developed a new can that uses 5% less aluminum, saving 15,000 metric tons of aluminum every year. The down side: it is being used in the UK only.
The cons: Although Coke released a new “eco-friendly” bottle made in part from molasses and sugar, they plan to test the new packaging in their Dasani bottle water line. Does anyone else smell an oxymoron? Bottled water is one of the biggest affronts to environmental well being in the 21st century.
Their corporate website has a lot of information about sustainability, or does it? Don’t you hate it when greenwashers place a picture of a really happy person when talking about their environmental friendliness? These images are available all over the web and are simply a marketing technique. No, this woman is not shining in eco-orgasmic appreciation of Coca-Cola’s green efforts.
They talk a good talk in the opening flash animation but don’t outline any specifics.
Here is an example of their greenwashing: They claim to have reduced water consumption by 9% since 2004. Woah! You mean you have reduced 9% of your water usage in only 6 years? That was probably an economic choice. Of course, they can always add more sugar to their product…
Our vote: Coke is not green. Actually, it’s kind of a weird brown color – why is that appealing?
I love Seventh Generation. Seriously, they are a forward thinking company who virtually single-handedly changed the consumables market by offering quality, bio-degradable and other earth-friendly products at a competitive price.
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