Coke works to save Canada's polar bears while destroying environment
The Coca-Cola Company has put on a happy face for the North American public by pledging to help protect the iconic polar bear while, at the same time, continuing to be one of the worst environmentally destructive corporations in the underdeveloped world.
Pointing out on its website that the rapid loss of sea ice in the Arctic threatens the future of the polar bear, Coke says it is extending its financial support for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with $2-million over 5 years toward conservations, as well as matching funds up to $1-million.
However, this project raises two important questions:
- Should Coke be allowed to get away with the hypocrisy of exploiting an emotional campaign to help save polar bears while at the same time, depleting water resources, exploiting workers in developing countries, and telling us that it is ‘fun’ to drink its sugar-laden products?
- Should the World Wildlife Fund Canada be taking money from a corporation that destroys the environment and wildlife in other parts of the world?
KillerCoke website tracks violations
Coke – which sells 1.7-billion drinks a day – has been listed among the world’s 10 worst corporations more than once.
The case concerning Colombia drags on, with Coke and the U.S. courts likely hoping that all the complainants will be dead before a decision is reached. Meanwhile, Coke-related companies have pretty well gotten rid of the union threat in Colombia by getting rid of full-time employees and hiring casual workers. Five years ago,Blomberg Businessweek investigated the charges against Coke.