11/06/2023
Coca-Cola making changes as global fresh water supply dwindles
Some 2.2 billion times a day, someone in the world downs a drink made by the Coca-Cola company. While Coke's formula is a closely held secret, one ingredient is not. "Water is the No. 1 ingredient in our product. It's important to us that we have a secure water supply," said Mike Bernier, of Swire Coca-Cola, USA. As much water goes into Coca-Cola drinks, most of it is used by the company in other ways: 73% flows into growing crops it puts in its beverages, like cane sugar, oranges and apples.
■Class discussion: Do you ever consider how much water is being used to manufacture the goods you consume? Why or why not? Do live in a region that ever has experienced water shortages? How would you cope if your supply of clean fresh water were suddenly cut off? Can you find any examples of cities that have been forced to ration water supplies? Do you believe that some big businesses like Coca-Cola are trying to deal with the impact of climate change?