FreeThink: Is Carbon the Enemy?

FreeThink: a blog published by Maxwell PR

Is Carbon the Enemy?

A recent article in The New York Times, Claudia Deutsch wrote an article that inspired the cynic in me. Apparently companies like Coca-Cola and McDonald's are switching out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) for carbon dioxide in their refrigeration equipment. HFCs have been the refrigerant of choice for years, but now it looks like they hurt the ozone layer ten times more than carbon dioxide. The problem, then, becomes marketing.

With people engrossed with "green language" like 'carbon neutrality' and 'carbon offsetting', the mention of carbon dioxide being "less bad" doesn't really do it for consumers. The phrase carbon alone is a no-no for advertisers. But I might argue we're being hasty, even rash towards carbon. Let us take a moment and think of good things associated with carbon dioxide:

Fact: If carbon dioxide suddenly disappeared, at least 99% of the species on earth, including man, would die. Without carbon dioxide, there would be no photosynthesis of green plants, and without photosynthesis, we would have no oxygen to breathe and no food to eat.

Food for thought: people aren't starving (as much) and plants are growing. Plus, we can breathe. All good things.

Is carbon dioxide really the enemy? Or is the way ignorant and irresponsible way people and companies use it?

- Jessica

posted on November 12, 2007

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	This spirited, open forum by Maxwell PR staff members, studio mates and colleagues features people who are, in our opinion, doing the right things to get people talking. You'll see us rave about organizations building communities and rant about those who are missing obvious opportunities. We sprinkle in a little marketing and PR rhetoric from time to time for extra vigor and enthusiasm, and will share observations and insight based on our own experience honing our craft every day.

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