I am posting the full speech of Coke executive Harry E. Teasley. The entire speech is worth reading. He explains how the free market is the best way to “green” production. He uses aluminum cans as an example:

Today the 12-oz. aluminum beverage can weighs less than 27 lbs/1000, for a reduction in weight of over 85% since I joined The Coca-Cola Company and I can squeeze and crimp it with two fingers… and rip the can apart.

Because Coke strived to cut costs, a pleasant side effect was a massive reduction in materials required to produce their products. This was not a government directed environmental program, but the natural product of innovation and cost cutting.

For full speech, click here.