Olympic Ban on Plastics

There has been significant conservative backlash against the Last Supper rendition at the opening event of the Paris Olympic Games. Despite assurances from the organizers that their intention was to promote unity, diversity, and inclusion rather than target any specific religion or belief, controversy persists.

Meanwhile, environmentalists have raised a major issue concerning the ban on single-use plastics and the role of major sponsor Coca-Cola in promoting eco-consciousness and environmental sustainability. When Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced the plan to ban single-use plastic bottles at the Olympics, it was widely celebrated by the public and environmental action groups, as it promised to significantly reduce carbon footprints compared to the Rio 2016 and London 2012 Olympics. However, several French environmental groups, including France Nature Environnement (FNE), Zéro Waste France, No Plastic in My Sea, and Surfrider, filed an official request for administrative documents to understand the exemption granted to Coca-Cola under the "Anti-Waste Act for a Circular Economy (AGEC)," which prohibits the free distribution of plastic bottles in public establishments, except for public health reasons.

In response, Coca-Cola announced in press releases that it had installed 700 soda fountain stands to distribute drinks using reusable cups. However, environmental groups argue that the company's commitment is superficial. According to these groups, a confidential document revealed that three-quarters of the 9 million drinks planned for sale at the Olympics would come from plastic bottles, contradicting Coca-Cola's claims of limiting waste.

This situation highlights the need for Coca-Cola to address and explain their plastic usage and for collaborative efforts between the company and environmental groups to achieve feasible environmental goals. As Axèle Gibert, coordinator of the waste network at France Nature Environnement, stated, "The Paris Olympic Games could have been an opportunity to show the world that a new model without plastic and more respectful of the planet was possible. All it took was a real desire to give ourselves the means. Another path was chosen. Surprising, isn’t it?” It is crucial for Coca-Cola, the Olympic Committee, and environmental groups to engage in discussions and debates to find a sustainable path forward, as reducing the carbon footprint is not only an Olympic concern but one that impacts billions of lives globally.