Nestle Gets B+ For Not Poisoning Us
In a newly released "Seeking Safer Packaging" report, Nestle earned mixed grades in its effort to eliminate use of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), a commonly-used, suspected toxin found in cans and bottles. The company received an A for its effort to phase out BPA, a B+ on risk disclosure, and a C for the company's efforts to find safer alternatives, reports the Glendale Press-News.
Swiss-based Nestle, with U.S. headquarters in Glendale, fared considerably better in the report than other large retailers and manufacturers like Costco and Whole Foods, which earned D grades. ConAgra, Heinz and Hain Celestial won A marks for disclosing dangers of BPA and seeking out safer alternatives.
Commissioned by Green Century Capital Management and As You Sow, the report aims to encourage private investors to support "publicly-traded companies that favor safe materials, sustainable energy use and other environmental goals," reports the Glendale News-Press.
BPA is a widely-used chemical suspected of causing health issues like reproductive problems and developmental disabilities. Seven states have banned its use in baby bottles and other products, according to the Glendale News-Press, and an effort to ban BPA in baby bottles passed in the CA Assembly this year, but failed in the state Senate.