Every Earth Day is a reminder that protecting our environment is an obligation we all share, whether it's companies, government or ordinary citizens. Earlier this week, America's leading beverage companies, as well as state beverage associations from around the country, celebrated Earth Day by highlighting their actions on recycling and sustainability. 

Leading up to Earth Day, associates from Coke Florida spent over 400 hours volunteering - cleaning up parks and green spaces around their state. Swire Coca-Cola set up a booth in Phoenix, Arizona to spread the word about their recycling efforts. PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta announced his company's long-term plan to address rising greenhouse gas emissions. 

State beverage associations including Illinois, Missouri, Washington, Massachusetts and Kentucky shared with their social media followers graphics depicting the 100 percent recyclable packaging that beverage companies produce. They also highlighted the industry's progress on other sustainability goals including water usage and fleet emissions. 

ABA CEO Katherine Lugar wrote an article on LinkedIn highlighting the industry's leadership on sustainability issues. She encouraged people to help beverage companies reuse their 100 percent recyclable plastic bottles, saying, "After enjoying a beverage, put the cap back on. Then recycle it - at home or on the go. When you do, the industry can work with its partners to turn each bottle into a new bottle and keep them off our beautiful beaches and out of our oceans and rivers." 

Earth Day 2019 was a great opportunity for the beverage industry to share its progress on recycling and sustainability, but it's more than a one-day commitment. America's beverage companies are continually working on ways to reduce their environmental impact because it's the right thing to do for our country and our planet.