Orange County NC Website
We understand many stakeholders are involved in both increasing collection and recycled <br />plastic content, But as the leader in this industry, Coke as an opportunity to use its <br />enormous influence to shape a system that can achieve these goals. <br />An additional concern we have is Coke's continued support of and active involvement in <br />organizations fighting such initiatives, including Keep America Beautiful, National Soft <br />Drink Association, and the company's own Civic Action Network. Each of these groups is <br />widely (and we believe justifiably) seen as having an anti-environmental mission, and are <br />working to oppose laws and regulations to protect the environment, especially bottle <br />deposits. <br />We are also distressed to see inaccurate information on these issues being repeated in <br />Coke's latest proxy statement opposing the shareholder proposal. We believe it will be <br />counter-productive for Coke to undertake a less than fully effective recycling effort, since <br />much of its impact would be negated by criticism from the environmental community, <br />which should be enthusiastic partners and cheerleaders in this undertaking. <br />Yes, recycling works. It's the Real Thing! <br />To undertake these initiatives would be a bold move. But Coke did not become one of the <br />world's most highly respected companies, with the world's mast widely recognized brand <br />name, by being timid. As the legendary Roberto Goizueta observed in his next-to-last <br />Annual Report, quoting the German poet Goethe, "...Boldness has a genius, power, and <br />magic in it. Begin it now." <br />We frequently read that the investment community is looking to Coke's current <br />management for bold action. Some believe PepsiCo has seized the initiative on fronts <br />such as 'New Age' and healthy beverages that appeal to young people. A rapid .and <br />strong commitment by Coke to these pro-environmental policies could create a huge <br />impact, and demonstrate that the company has the boldness and foresight to grasp the <br />baton of leadership and carry it to victory. As the GrassRaots Recycling Network <br />observes, "The eyes of the world are on Coke, and many businesses will follow its lead." <br />We hope you will consider the recycling proposal and irect Coca Cola management to <br />come up wifih exciting, innovative, conscientious policies that will benefit our company, <br />our community, and our habitat on which we are all ultimately dependent. <br />P <br />Sincerely yours, <br />Coca-Cola Shareholders <br />and - <br />Concerned Organizations <br />