YOUR chance to save the rainforest, hurry! Offer ends soon!

If you are thirsty for orange juice, head to your local grocer and pick up some Tropicana brand orange juice. Not only will you enjoy the taste, but the chance to save some precious rainforest is at your fingertips - quite literally. All you need is a computer with an Internet connection and the time to take part in this special offer that ends December 31, 2009. There’s no cost involved, except for purchasing the refreshing orange juice you enjoy so much. The packaging has a special code for the consumer to input at Tropicana’s website. At least, that’s what Tropicana wants you to think.

There are two things at minimum, though, that should bother the consumer about this offer. Since Tropicana is partnering with other organizations to make saving rainforests possible, and is therefore susceptible to third party stipulations, there is an expiration date assigned to this green effort. Second, consumers should be able to save depleting rainforests without needing an Internet connection for entering a special code. It seems that Tropicana is sending the wrong message, making forcing sustainability into a box along with time and modern technology.

Aside from these flaws in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, PepsiCo, who owns the Tropicana brand, has taken great strides in reducing the carbon footprint of its products and is working to effectively communicate the results to consumers. There are two great articles to read through if you are interested. The New York Times printed an article written by Andrew Martin on January 22nd, 2009, entitled “How Green Is My Orange?” Also, please consider visiting the Environmental Leader website and reading The Executive’s Daily Green Briefing for January 23^rd, 2009, entitled “Carbon Footprint of Tropicana Orange Juice: 1.7Kg.”

Savings rainforests is very important and we should all do our part. Our motivation should be the result of our conscious efforts to be good stewards of the Earth, and not marketing efforts with an expiration date. According to reports in an EcoSolutions article published CNN.com today, “undisturbed tropical forests are absorbing nearly one-fifth of the C02 released by burning fossil fuels.” The article also talks about rainforests being carbon sinks, trapping excess carbon and controlling climate change.

So, if you are thirsty for orange juice and more information on saving rainforests, you can do two things. Please check out the articles mentioned and enjoy a glass of Tropicana brand orange juice while you read. Remember, saving the rainforests doesn’t have to end on December 31, 2009.