May 2, 2012
Today we thought we’d share a letter to the editor from The Baltimore Sun that we recently read. It lays out a number of good arguments for why Baltimore City should not increase and extend indefinitely the tax on beverage containers sold in the city. Check out the full text of the letter here, and an excerpt below:
“The Sun misses the broader economic implications the tax would have on residents who are already heavily assessed. Higher taxes curb economic activity as fewer hard-working families are able to purchase needed goods and services. How much more can citizens take in a city where the median household income is $39,000 a year? Ratcheting up taxes on individuals and organizations that employ local people will end up destroying jobs when the unemployment is already more than 9 percent…Why destroy jobs and burden the hardworking families in Baltimore with a plan that is suspect and doesn’t fully address the systemic problems with school infrastructure funding? What The Sun and some in City Council refuse to believe is that these jobs matter. This tax threatens a variety of good-paying jobs, including sales representatives, forklift operators, truck drivers, grocery store clerks and warehouse managers…The citizens of Baltimore and their children who attend public schools deserve better than a “good start.” They deserve a serious plan that is free of gimmickry and the typical knee-jerk response that another tax will make everything better. The City Council should address this issue in a comprehensive manner that puts Baltimore on a sustainable path for years to come.”
Well said! Let us know what you think by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Category: Beverage Taxes, News & Media, Taxes
Tags: Beverage Container Tax, Ellen Valentino, Facebook, The Baltimore Sun, Twitter
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May 1, 2012
You’ve probably heard about the latest government spending scandal in here in the nation’s capitol. A federal agency known as the Government Services Administration (GSA) spent more than $823,000 on a party – they called it a “retreat” – in Las Vegas. Taxpayer dollars went to pay for a lavish junket for government employees.
They rented tuxedos – with your money.
They spent $30,000 on a cocktail reception and dinner – with your money.
They hired a clown and a mind reader – with your money.
As appalling as this story may be, the amount of money GSA spent (or wasted depending on your point of view) is only a fraction of how much taxpayer money the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is spending to advertise all around the country against American-owned beverage companies.
It is estimated that the CDC will spend $40 million to air a new television ad campaign in markets from Hawaii to Maine, with a misleading message that consuming soda can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
The CDC conveniently ignores important – and recent – data regarding the facts about soda.
First, data from the CDC, calories from added sugars from soda are down 39 percent since 2000. So if soda consumption is down but obesity rates have increased, there’s no connection between soda and obesity.
Second, the CDC ad claims that eating too much sugar causes diabetes. Yet, the American Diabetes Association calls that claim a MYTH on its website.
Third, there is absolutely no evidence showing that soda consumption causes heart disease.
GSA may have acted foolishly when spending nearly a million dollars of your money on a junket to Vegas. But the CDC is acting in bad faith by spending 40 times as much of your money on an ad campaign that fails to be based in facts and sound science. And that is a far greater scandal.
Category: Advertisements, Government, Taxes
Tags: Center for Disease Control, Clown, Diabetes, GSA, Mime
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April 30, 2012
If so, maybe you should re-think your day – that is, if you’ve heard the latest research hitting the airwaves today on why sitting is allegedly bad for your health. We thought that this might present a good opportunity to remind our readers to get up and get moving! Makes sense that First Lady Michelle Obama’s anti-obesity campaign is called “Let’s Move!” , right?
But in all seriousness, we know it can be pretty easy to fall into the trap of sitting at our desks all day long, staring at our computers. But even if you have a sedentary job, you can find ways to move around. Cut down on e-mail and (gasp!) walk those few steps to have face-to-face conversations with your co-workers. Use the stairs in your building rather than the elevator. Take time to rest your eyes and to stretch your body by doing a little in-office yoga. Or, now that the weather is warming up, get outside at lunch and take a power-walk. Every step counts.
Science has shown that the benefits of physical activity are both mental and physical. Our industry has long supported physical activity initiatives in communities across the country. We know that the “calories out” component of living a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle is critically important. And we also recognize that, so, too, is the “calories in” part of the equation. That’s why we’re delivering for consumers by providing more no- and low-calorie and smaller-portion beverage options. We’re also placing clear calorie information on the front of every bottle, can and pack we produce so consumers can make the choice that’s best for them and their families.
Category: Nutrition & Health, Physical Activity, Science
Tags: Clear on Calories, First Lady Michelle Obama, Let’s Move, Physical Activity, sitting study, We’re Delivering
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April 27, 2012
Tomorrow, 1,900 YMCAs across the country will be hosting Healthy Kids Day events. Healthy Kids Day is a national initiative focused on improving the health and well-being of children. According to a Healthy Kids Day press release, the day “is filled with fun, active play and educational activities that will help parents improve their kids’ lifestyles for the long term.”
Check out the YMCA’s website to see if these events are happening in your neighborhood.
If you are a frequent reader of Sip & Savor, then you might know about our partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM). Through a series of grants, we are supporting community programs focused on combating childhood obesity in a comprehensive way. In fact one of the grant winners, the City of Lima, is partnered with the Lima Family YMCA to develop healthy eating hubs, nutrition classes and more.
We hope you’ll get out there and participate in these activities. And if you do, be sure to let us know how it goes by sending us a message on Facebook and Twitter!
Category: Good News, News & Media, Nutrition & Health
Tags: American Beverage Association, Healthy Kids Day, Healthy Living Hubs, Lima Mayor David Berger, U.S. Conference of Mayors, YMCA
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April 26, 2012
Yesterday there was activity in Boston, Mass., around the state’s mandatory recycling deposit program, more commonly known as the “bottle bill.” So, today we thought we would share some information on comprehensive recycling programs and why they are a better approach.
Imposing mandatory deposits on beverage containers is a poor way to increase recycling because it tacks on a pre-paid fee on some containers, forces consumers to drive to designated redemption centers in order to recycle their cans and bottles and requires significant infrastructure to manage beverage containers separately from other recycled products and packaging.
Alternatively, comprehensive recycling programs are effective and convenient. With these programs, households can recycle a wider range of materials – not just beverage containers – through curbside pick-up or, in smaller communities, drop-off programs. Since comprehensive recycling does not solely target one part of recyclable goods, it has been proven to be the best way to capture waste conveniently, efficiently and equitably. These programs have expanded rapidly and are extremely popular with citizens and businesses alike for one good reason—they work.
Category: Environment, Recycling
Tags: Bottle Bill, Massachusetts
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April 25, 2012
Earlier today a Chicago hospital group announced that it will begin eliminating sugar- sweetened beverages from their Chicago-based hospitals, healthcare sites and administrative offices. In fact, it will eventually go so far as to remove even diet beverages – which science shows are useful tools in maintaining a healthy weight. While we admire the ultimate goal of helping people to live a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle, demonizing one food or beverage simply isn’t the solution.
There are a number of problems with this approach:
- First, you can’t address 100 percent of the obesity challenge by focusing on 7 percent of calories. That’s right – sugar-sweetened beverages account for only 7 percent of the calories in the average American’s diet, according to a National Cancer Institute analysis of government data. Even so, consumers are taking advantage of the broad array of beverage options available in today’s marketplace. In fact, due to the introduction of more no- and low-calorie and smaller-portion options, there’s been a 23 percent reduction in the average calories per serving between 1998 and 2010.
- Second, there’s nothing unique about beverages when it comes to obesity or obesity-related chronic diseases. If you consume more calories than you burn, you will gain weight – even if those calories come in the form of an apple, a burger or a piece of pie.
- Third, bans do nothing to teach Americans about the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. That can only be achieved through education.
The beverage industry is doing its part to help consumers make the choice that’s right for them and their families. From industry innovation to our national School Beverage Guidelines and Clear on Calories initiatives, these are efforts that will have real and lasting impact.
Category: Perspective
Tags: Chicago, Clear on Calories, National Cancer Institute, School Beverage Guidelines
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April 24, 2012
From time to time we share articles and columns about issues of importance to the non-alcoholic beverage industry. We recently came across this letter to the editor in the Cambridge Chronicle from a reader who makes a really good point in opposition to soda taxes. The author writes:
“When will people take responsibility for themselves, their diet and their health and not depend on the government to decide what they should and should not eat? I agree that obesity and the related health problems of diabetes and hypertension are major health problems in this country, which has a vast impact on the cost of healthcare, however, I don’t see how a state policy or proposed tax on soda will fight obesity in this country.”
Well said. You can check out the full letter by clicking here. And don’t forget to let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter.
Category: Beverage Taxes, News & Media, Taxes
Tags: Beverage Taxes, Soda Tax, Taxes
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April 23, 2012
We hope you had a good weekend and a great Earth Day! Did you have a chance to check out what our member companies are doing to celebrate Earth Day this year?
Maybe you read about Honest Tea’s Great Recycle scheduled for next week in Times Square in New York City. Did you catch our news release that explains Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s work to replace vending machines with more environmentally friendly units, The Coca-Cola Company’s PlantBottles, Nestlé Waters North America’s work to green up facility space and the two-year anniversary of PepsiCo’s Dream Machine?
These are all really exciting initiatives for this time of year – and all year long! So, be sure to check them out and let us know what you think with a Tweet or a Facebook post!
Category: Environment, News & Media
Tags: Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Dream Machine, Facebook, Great Recycle, Honest Tea, Nestle Waters North America, PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company, Tweet, Twitter
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April 20, 2012
Earth Day is just around the corner! In communities across the country and around the globe, countless events are scheduled to encourage awareness and appreciation of our planet. By working together, small steps can become big changes toward improving the environment. So, this weekend, do something green – whether it’s taking steps to transform your city, planting a tree, walking instead of driving or learning more about recycling.
For the non-alcoholic beverage industry, environmental responsibility is a priority this Earth Day, as it is every day. Our industry is dedicated to reducing their environmental impact on every level; from manufacturing and bottling to store delivery. As an industry, post-consumer recycled materials are increasingly being reused in cans, bottles and packs. And, through innovative, lightweight packaging, we are reducing the amount of raw materials used overall. More and more, these beverages are being manufactured in LEED-certified buildings and delivered to you in hybrid trucks. Furthermore, all of the beverage industry’s containers are 100 percent recyclable.
You can learn more about the beverage industry’s dedication to the environment here. Let us know your plans for Earth Day on Facebook and Twitter – we love to hear how you’re making a difference!
Category: Innovation, Recycling
Tags: Earth Day, LEED-certification, Packaging, Recycle Together, Recycling
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April 19, 2012
Making sure your children get all the vitamins and nutrients they need can sometimes be a challenge – especially when busy schedules and picky eaters are involved. But there’s a nutrient source that can be a refreshing and convenient one for you and your family – 100 percent juice.
“One hundred percent fruit juice plays an important role in the diets of children and teens, supplying important nutrients during crucial years for growth and development,” says Dr. Carol O’Neil, the lead investigator of a new research paper published in the current online issue of Public Health Nutrition, in a news release. Using government data that examined the diets of children and adolescents ages 2 to 18, researchers at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and Baylor College of Medicine found that consumption of 100 percent juice is associated with higher intakes of select nutrients such as dietary fiber; vitamins A ,C, and E; magnesium; folate; phosphorus; calcium; and potassium. The findings of this study are important – and, in fact, mirror those of the same researchers when it comes to adult consumers of 100 percent juice.
Our member companies produce and manufacture a wide array of 100 percent juice and juice drinks, as well as a variety of other beverages. For more information on 100 percent juice, juice drinks and their ingredients, please visit our products issue site.
Category: Juice, Science
Tags: 100 percent juice, Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Carol O’Neil, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Public Health Nutrition, Theresa Nicklas
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