Everybody knows that traditional soda pop has no redeeming nutritional qualities. It contributes to weight gain and diabetes, damages multiple internal organs, and contains harmful chemical ingredients. Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners that may be as unhealthy as sugar. But let’s face it, few people give up their fizzy drinks because of science.

Even if we’re committed to our empty calories, it doesn’t mean we have to harm the planet as well as our bodies – or does it? What are the sustainability issues surrounding our soda choices?

The Water

Like all beverages, soda pop is mostly water. Every liter of soda requires 2.7 liters of water to make – not counting the water used in agriculture to grow sugar. That seems like a lot, but it’s actually better than many other beverages – a single cup of coffee can require 140 liters of water.

However, bottling plants are not exactly low-impact industries. Beverage manufacturers are often criticized for depleting water supplies in the service of bottled water, but the water used in soda often comes from impoverished, drought-prone areas as well. In India, Coca-Cola has been criticized for contributing to groundwater depletion and repeatedly called out for its water pollution and the offloading of contaminated waste onto local farmers, who use it as fertilizer.

In March 2024, PepsiCo announced that it had reached its 2025 goal of a 25% improvement in operational water-use efficiency in high-water-risk areas two years ahead of schedule. The progress was due to improved corn-washing techniques, water reuse technology, and systems that capture water vapor from potato processing.

The Sugar

Ingredients contribute between 7% and 14% of soda’s carbon footprint. Most of that comes from sugar, which is the primary ingredient in soda pop, regardless of brand or flavor. There are significant environmental and human rights concerns associated with cane sugar production. However, in most cases, the sugar in American soda cans is high-fructose corn syrup. In the United States, corn is usually grown in chemical-intensive monocultures that deplete the soil and contribute to the Gulf of Mexico dead zone. Overall, soda made with domestically grown sugarcane instead of HFCS has a slightly smaller footprint, if you can find it. Unsweetened seltzer waters are an even greener choice.

Natural Sweetener Trend: The beverage industry is increasingly turning to natural sweeteners, such as stevia, monk fruit, and allulose. Stevia-based drinks accounted for about 5% of the global carbonated beverage market in 2024, and sales are growing by 7.6% a year. By 2032, sugar-free beverages are projected to generate $38 billion in sales.

The Bubbles

The fizz in carbonated beverages comes from carbon dioxide, a significant contributor to climate change. That’s a direct environmental downside. However, the amount of CO2 in a liter of soda is about 4.85 grams, while burning a liter of gasoline releases 2,392 grams of CO2. So you’d have to drink a lot of soda to equal the environmental damage of one car ride to the 7-11. There are several good reasons to drink less soda. But unless you’ve already replaced your car with a bike and switched to solar power, the bubbles in your drink aren’t among them.

Packaging: The Biggest Impact

Packaging contributes much more to the footprint of soda than it does to other beverages – between 59% and 77% compared to tea, where packaging is barely a consideration. Beverage companies Coke, Nestle, and PepsiCo are among the major plastic polluters in the world.

Aluminum Cans: A Better Choice

Recycled aluminum soda cans outperform glass and plastic as packaging for pressurized drinks. Aluminum can be recycled infinitely without losing quality, and recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy needed to produce new aluminum.

Recycling Reality Check: The U.S. aluminum can recycling rate was only 43% in 2023. That’s well below the 52% average recovery rate over the previous 30 years, and the gap represents the equivalent of every American discarding approximately 15 twelve-packs worth of aluminum cans annually, a loss of $1.2 billion worth of aluminum sent to landfills.

The circularity rate for aluminum cans is an impressive 96.7%, compared to just 34% for PET bottles.

States with deposit return programs average a 74% recycling rate, compared to only 26% in non-deposit states, demonstrating that policy interventions can dramatically improve outcomes.

Soda Fountains and Single-Serve Cups

Soda fountains, like those at convenience stores, eliminate the need for cans and bottles. But unlike coffee, where it’s common to use your own mug, soda fountains almost always involve disposable cups.

Home Soda-Making: A Sustainable Alternative

Home soda-making kits eliminate individual serving packaging. Using your own tap water, which is generally a sustainable beverage option, is another plus.

The home carbonation market has evolved significantly. Modern systems, such as those from SodaStream and new brands, now offer electricity-free models that are completely portable. Each CO2 canister can carbonate up to 60 liters of water, replacing over 170 single-use plastic bottles.

Many companies now offer CO2 exchange programs where you return empty canisters for refills.Recycling the carbon dioxide canisters will further shrink your home soda’s footprint. Visit these companies to find out how to participate in their recycling programs:

• SodaStream: Exchange empty cylinders for full ones (pay only refill cost) via SodaStream’s online exchange or participating retail locations.
• Drinkmate: Mail back empty cylinders using their provided exchange box and prepaid label to receive full ones or store credit.
• Breville (InFizz CO₂ Exchange): Mail two empty canisters in their shipping box and receive two full ones; you pay for the refill and shipping per exchange.
• Simpli Soda: Mail empty 60 L cylinders (any brand) and receive replacements; flexible schedule and flat shipping rate.
• Soda Sense (Refill Club): Send in your empty threaded or Quick-Connect cylinders when ready; full replacements are shipped immediately with no subscription fee.
• Aarke (CO₂ Loop Exchange): Join the Aarke Loop to mail back empties and receive filled cylinders on demand; no monthly fees, only pay when exchanging.

Be sure you really need any new appliance. If your home soda maker will supplement, not replace, your commercial soda habit or will end up collecting dust after a few months, you will just be creating more waste and a recycling hassle for yourself down the road.

The Rise of Functional and Prebiotic Sodas

A major shift in the soda market is the emergence of functional sodas with health benefits. Prebiotic sodas from brands like Olipop, poppi, and Culture Pop offer gut health benefits with traditional soda enjoyment. These beverages typically contain 3 grams or more of fiber, prebiotics, and significantly less sugar than conventional sodas.

Organic Soda

Because soda involves so few ingredients, organic certification matters less than for other beverages, like juice. But it is still meaningful. USDA-certified organic standards govern soil quality, pest and weed control, and the use of additives. Packaged foods, such as soda, are prohibited from containing artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Organic craft soda, including Organic Soda Pops, Santani Organics, and Good Sodas, represents a growing segment that accounts for approximately 20% of craft soda revenue. These sodas are produced in small batches using high-quality, organic ingredients synthetic to cater to health-conscious consumers.

How to Shop for Sustainable Soda: A Practical Guide

Making sustainable soda choices doesn’t mean giving up your favorite fizzy drink. Here’s how to minimize your environmental impact:

Choose the Right Package

• Aluminum cans first.
• Larger formats, when possible.
• Avoid plastic.
• Support deposit programs.

Consider the Formula

• Choose natural sweeteners.
• Look for functional benefits.
• Opt for Organic options.
• Sip plain seltzer.

Explore Home Carbonation

• Invest in a home carbonation system.
• Use CO2 exchange programs.
• Choose electricity-free carbonation appliances.
• Create your own syrups.

Support Sustainable Brands

• Look for brands that practice transparency.
• Support local craft sodas.
• Check for B Corp, Fair Trade, and climate certifications.
• Research brands’ water stewardship.

Buy Smarter

• Skip single-serve.
• Bring your own cup.
• Consolidate shopping trips.
• Avoid mixing sodas to reduce packaging waste.

Dispose Responsibly

• Rinse and recycle.
• Keep caps on.
• Crush aluminum cans.
• Check local recycling rules.

A Big Gulp

As reviled as soda pop is, it has a relatively low carbon footprint compared to other beverages or processed foods. Packaging remains soda’s Achilles’ heel. If you drink plain seltzer in a can or a certified organic brand that uses domestically grown cane sugar, or you routinely make your own soda at home with a home carbonation system, you can enjoy your fizzy drink with a clear conscious.

The key is making informed choices and recognizing that small changes, from switching to cans and buying in bulk to investing in a home carbonation system, can drive meaningful environmental improvements. That is, at least until your next dentist appointment.

Editor’s Note: Originally published on May 27, 2021, this article was substantially updated in October 2025.