Baltimore is suing major plastic producers, including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, for deceptive practices and environmental harm caused by plastic waste.
James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Baltimore's lawsuit targets eight companies for creating a public nuisance and using deceptive business practices related to plastic waste.
- The city claims the companies misled the public about recycling, resulting in significant cleanup costs and health risks.
- Baltimore's legal action is part of a broader trend of litigation against plastic producers by municipalities and environmental groups.
Key quote:
“Every community has the same problem. It’s just that Baltimore is one of the first cities to file a lawsuit to try to make the originators of this pay the price.”
— Roy Mason, attorney
Why this matters:
Plastic waste contributes to environmental degradation and public health risks, particularly through the contamination of waterways and air pollution from incineration. Legal actions like Baltimore's may set precedents for holding companies accountable for their environmental impact.
