Fizz-tastic Voyage: The Journey to an Early Grave

It’s the drink you love to hate, or hate to love, depending on your mood. The cola that seems to be everywhere: in fridges, on billboards, at birthday parties. It’s as American as apple pie, though it didn’t start there. No, this syrupy drink originated in the late 19th century and was marketed as a medicinal tonic. A cure for what exactly? Well, that’s another story. Over the years, it evolved from a “health” remedy to a global addiction. It’s so ingrained in culture now that to imagine a world without it seems as impossible as living without Wi-Fi.

But let’s take a moment and look at the cost. And when I say cost, I mean more than the price you pay at the counter. I’m talking about the toll it takes on the planet, your health, and the workers who make it all possible.

 

Image is courtesy of Unsplash.com

 

Water, Water Everywhere... And Not a Drop to Drink

Here’s where we start: water. The essential ingredient. In fact, it takes almost two liters of water to make just one liter of cola. Not bad, right? Except when you realize this water is often pulled from places where clean water is already as rare as a unicorn. In places like India, where farmers struggle to grow crops, companies have been accused of depleting groundwater. In some areas, the wells run dry, and the people? They’re left with nothing but their thirst.

And sure, the company is “trying” with their smaller cans, claiming it reduces waste. But let’s not pretend that slapping a smaller lid on a plastic bottle is going to save the world. Plastic still clogs up the oceans, where fish are apparently eating more of it than we are eating fast food. According to reports, this company was named the largest producer of plastic waste in the world for five years running. So, kudos to them for staying consistent.

Health: The Sugar Rush That Keeps on Giving

Ah, the sweetness. That irresistible, sticky, sugary goodness that has us coming back for more. One can of cola (330ml) contains about 35 grams of sugar, which, for those of us who’ve avoided basic math, is about 7 teaspoons. Think about that. Seven. You could scoop that sugar into your mouth directly, but we wouldn’t recommend it. A diet of sugar like that doesn’t do your waistline or your arteries any favors. It’s the kind of thing that leads to diabetes, heart disease, and other long-term complications that you’d rather avoid.

Then there’s the diet version. Ah yes, the "healthier" option. The one with zero sugar, but plenty of artificial sweeteners. These little chemicals have a way of messing with your metabolism, making you think you’re tricking your body, but in reality, you’re just setting yourself up for a different kind of trouble. Some studies suggest these sweeteners are linked to everything from metabolism issues to cancer. But hey, no calories, right?

The Unseen Cost: Who’s Behind the Bubbles?

While we’re on the subject of bad news, let’s not forget the folks who work behind the scenes to make this magic happen. People in sugarcane fields, where pesticides are as common as the cola itself. These pesticides are tied to serious health problems: cancer, birth defects, and other issues that no one should have to suffer through for a paycheck. But there’s more. Workers in developing countries often face low wages and grueling conditions, all for the privilege of making a product that we sip down in minutes.

This has been going on for years, and the company’s record isn’t exactly spotless. From lawsuits to protests, they’ve managed to dodge accountability in the public eye. But one thing's clear: the cost of cheap sugar and plastic comes at the expense of the people and the environment. That’s the inconvenient truth they’d rather you didn’t know.

The Power of Choice: Can We Turn the Tide?

So what’s the solution? Should we all stage a boycott and say goodbye to the drink that’s become as American as…well, you get it? It’s not that simple. This cola has woven itself into the fabric of society so tightly that living without it feels like trying to live without television. It’s everywhere. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.

Here’s the thing: We all have choices. We can decide to drink less of it, or swap it for alternatives that are better for us and the planet. You can choose a company that invests in recycling, or supports fair wages for workers, or doesn’t flood the oceans with plastic. Yes, these companies exist. They might not have a polar bear mascot or giant advertisements, but they’re out there. And they’re hoping that one day, we’ll choose them instead.

But maybe the first step is acknowledging that we’ve been drinking the Kool-Aid—literally—and that it’s time for a reality check. Maybe it’s time to ask ourselves: “Do I really need this?” Spoiler alert: You don’t. There are plenty of other beverages out there that won’t leave you feeling like you just bathed in sugar and regret.

The Bottom Line

You might still reach for that cola now and then, and that’s okay. It’s not the drink that’s the problem—it’s the system that produces it, the labor behind it, and the environmental costs that come with it. As consumers, we have the power to make a difference. One less can on the shelf might not solve the world’s problems, but it’s a start. And if enough of us start making that choice, maybe—just maybe—the world can stop choking on plastic and start drinking a little more responsibly.

After all, we don’t need the sweetness of their product to cover up the bitterness of the truth.