I completely agree with this statement: “…you’re moving in the right direction, but make a green move with more to back it up than mere PR and start thinking about the health of your consumers instead of their wallets.”

Frito Lay, like most companies making a green push this year, have fundamentally non-healthy products. The preservatives and artificial flavors are toxic, and lead to a number of health problems, the first of which is chemical imbalance, which leads to feelings of euphoria followed by extreme letdown.

In order for these companies to truly take advantage of the green movement, they have to rethink process AND reformulate products. Otherwise, it’s a pretty facade with a rotting core.

You make some good points Sarah. Many companies can be accused of the same with regard to “natural” or “organic” claims – the cosmetic industry is probably one of the worst offenders. This idea of striking a sync or that right balance between being eco-chic (good for the planet) and good for all its inhabitants is a tricky one. Being rightly critical and objective about these claims is important, and so to is this idea of seperating the marketing from reality.

There are many alternative solutions being pushed in this green economy and we are putting blind faith behind some of these concepts, while ignoring some of the long-term health impacts on humans. Sadly, government and industry regulators have left enough wiggle room for companies to operate within “tolerable” restrictions and limits (even moreso in the face of a battered economy), and these companies know exactly how to get around these issues while still continuing to perform services and produce goods “according to standard” which are still very harmful to people.

With regard to the claims put forward by Frito Lay, and looking as objectively as possible without taking sides, I think its certainly a positive when a company can update tired, gaz-guzzling and emission spewing fleets off the road to reduce their enviro footprint. Especially if there were any diesel engines running in the fleet – after all, we live in a day and age where catalytic converters for diesels exist – lets put them to use.

And the one thing I have to give Frito Lay much deserved kudos on is how they removed palm oil use from all their snacks over 20 years ago. This is an initiative that deserves green points and merits just as much attention as their most recent announcement, and an example that many competitors and manufacturers of products we use each day could do some “green” good of their own by following.

Joseph