Amazon shareholders reject proposals on plastic packaging, climate crisis
Amazon shareholders rejected a proposal that would mandate that the company report how much plastic it used, the benefits of reducing plastic use, and the disadvantages of continuing with its current habits.
As the Seattle Times reports, it was one of just 15 environmental or social-justice proposals that shareholders voted on at the company’s annual meeting on Wednesday, while they voted for CEO Andy Jesse’s compensation package of more than $212 million. accepted. The plastic proposal was based on a report by Oceana that found Amazon’s plastic packaging waste increased 29 percent from 465 to 599 million pounds between 2019 and 2020.
“Washington’s vibrant economy – and the Amazon’s global logistics – depend on our coastal waters; the Amazon needs to step up and support the effort to save the world’s oceans,” proposed Sarah Holznecht, region representative for Oceana in Washington. said in an Oceana press release in support of. “Amazon’s plastic packaging generates a huge amount of waste, and plastic pollution is ravaging our environment. Given its Seattle roots, Amazon should be a leader in curbing the plastic crisis facing our planet. ,
Oceana called the Seattle neighborhood “AMZN: Less Plastic, Please.” The organization said that 55 percent of seabirds, 70 percent of marine mammals and 100 percent of sea turtles have either been eaten or trapped in plastic waste. In addition, the type of plastic the Amazon uses – plastic film – is one of the deadliest to marine life.
Amazon argued that Oceana’s figures were not accurate and urged shareholders to vote against the proposal. The company said it was already working on reducing its use of plastics and was “committed to protecting the planet,” as the Seattle Times reported. It said Oceana reports its plastic use has increased by 300 percent.
For its part, Amazon also said that it was working to reduce plastic waste by 2023 by packaging all Alexa and other tech products in 100 percent recycled plastic. It also launched a “disappointment-free packaging” program to provide financial incentives to manufacturers. We use recyclable plastic packaging and are working to design “the right size boxes” so that there is no need to use additional plastic to cushion items.
However, in an editorial on the issue, The Seattle Times noted that Amazon has not promised to reduce or eliminate plastic packaging overall, while other consumer goods companies, including Unilever and IKEA, have.
“Even if the resolution is successful, ‘continuing the conversation and awareness’ is incredibly important,” said Sarah Holzknecht, representative for the Washington region of Oceana, “the editorial concluded.” “It’s good that advocates continue to focus on plastic pollution.” Huh. It’s good that Amazon understands that more needs to be done. It is up to all of us to be mindful of our shopping and recycling habits.”
Another environmental resolution that failed to pass would have reported on Amazon’s retirement holdings to ensure they are not supporting oil, coal or other industries that violate the company’s climate goals.
According to The Guardian, other unsuccessful proposals focused largely on workers’ rights. They will have mandatory reports on worker health and safety and treatment of warehouse workers, among other issues.
“I’m still trying to get my head around where we failed to explain to other investors that the company’s plans to make money,” said Antoine Argoges, chief executive officer of activist investor TulipShares, whose organization sponsored a proposal calling. To treat these workers better is the right strategy.” for a report on warehouse pay and conditions, told Reuters.
