LA County sues Pepsi and Coca-Cola for plastic waste claims - EHN

Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, alleging they misled the public on the recyclability of plastic packaging, contributing to severe plastic pollution.

Susanne Rust reports for Los Angeles Times.

In short:

Key quote:

“Coke and Pepsi need to stop the deception and take responsibility for the plastic pollution problems.”

— Lindsey P. Horvath, Los Angeles County Board Chair

Why this matters:

Plastic pollution is pervasive, with microplastics now detected in human organs and ecosystems globally. Addressing misleading claims about recyclability could push corporations to reduce their reliance on plastic, mitigating environmental and health risks.

Related: Coca-Cola and Pepsi urged by athletes to ditch plastic bottles