Mark Bittman Weighs in on Soda: How Not to Drink Everything?
Is soda the new tobacco? New York Times food writer and cookbook author Mark Bittman asks the question in an article in the NYT yesterday. And he's got a very compelling case. Bittman points out that nationally we consume 50 gallons of the stuff per person each year, a ridiculous level that appears to be contributing to the rising levels of childhood obesity and diabetes. With the Obama administration recently announcing a plan to ban soda (and candy) from school, Bittman points out that a "growing number of public health advocates are pushing for even more aggressive actions, urging that soda be treated like tobacco: with taxes, warning labels and a massive public health marketing campaign, all to discourage consumption." Read Bittman's column and consider the alternatives. Like Obama's health care plan, a soda tax is not a perfect solution. But it (too) may be a lot better than the present options. If you have an opinion--and you should--feel free to weigh in yourself in the comments below.
Flickr/bardgabbard soda can
Email to Friend
Write to Editor
Print Article
