Two billion people globally currently lack access to safe water. The United Nations annually recognizes March 22 as World Water Day to raise awareness of this crisis and to inspire action toward water and sanitation for all by 2030. Plastic waste is a significant source of water pollution, with 11 million metric tons of plastic waste ending up in bodies of water every year. The United Nations expects this to almost triple by 2040.
To address this, 175 countries, including the United States, established an intergovernmental committee at the recent UN Environment Assembly to create a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution. Mercy Investment Services’ corporate engagements support the United Nations’ goals on water and plastics:
- Mercy and lead filers withdrew a proposal after Coca-Cola committed to sell at least 25% of its beverages sold in refillable/reusable glass or plastic bottles or in refillable containers through dispensers by 2030.
- Shareholders at Kraft Heinz will vote this spring on Mercy’s resolution asking the food and beverage company to report its supply chain water risks. The assessment would help the company mitigate potential water disruptions in its operations while protecting local watersheds.
Mercy Investments will continue to use our shareholder voice to engage companies on their impacts on the global water supply. Look for ongoing updates on our website.