Benzene in soft drinks been filed by a group of parents in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The two companies, Zone Brands Inc., maker of "BellyWashers" products, and TalkingRain Beverage Co., denied that their products were harmful, but agreed to change the ingredients in their drinks. Coca-Cola announced that it would be phasing out sodium benzoate from many of its drinks, but not Fanta and Sprite. As of August 2012, Coca Cola Zero and Barq's root beer still contains benzoate (added as potassium salt and sodium salt respectively). A Belgian study found that plastic packaging may play an important role in
Green Drinks global chapter with 14,000+ members. The December 2007 Holiday Party, marked the largest Green Drinks event in New York City to date with a 1000+ person record attendance, which was covered by CNN. Green Drinks NYC has an average attendance of 400 people held at different venues around Manhattan and has been a driver for connectivity, community, collaboration and change within the environmental sector in New York City and beyond. The 2009 Green Drinks Holiday Event, featured Dr. Sylvia Earle, world-renowned oceanographer, scientist and TED prize winner. Lydecker has made significant contributions to the growth and expansion of Green Drinks