Challenging false advertising in bottled water

Earth Island's Plastic Pollution Coalition is seeking to hold bottled water companies, like Danone Waters of America and FIJI Water, accountable for false and deceptive marketing in violation of the District of Columbia’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). These companies promote their products as “sustainable,” “natural,” and “healthy,” despite these products containing health-harming microplastics and plastic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), and creating plastic pollution. The CPPA is a consumer protection law that prohibits a wide variety of deceptive and unconscionable business practices. The statute specifically provides that a public-interest organization, like Earth Island, may bring an action on behalf of consumers and the general public for relief from the unlawful conduct directed at consumers. 

Significant Developments

March 18, 2025: Case Update

D.C. Superior Court denies motion to dismiss by Danone Waters of America

February 3, 2025: Press Release

Plastic Pollution Coalition Files “False and Deceptive Marketing” Complaint Against Makers of FIJI Water

January 31, 2025: Case Update

Complaint filed in the District of Colombia Superior Court against The Wonderful Company, LLC and FIJI Water, LLC alleging claims under DC's Consumer Protection and Procedures Act.

July 23, 2024: Press Release

Plastic Pollution Coalition Files False Advertising Lawsuit Against Danone Waters of America for Representing evian Bottled Water as “Natural” and Sustainable

July 22, 2024: Case Update

Complaint filed in the District of Columbia Superior Court against Danone Waters of America alleging claims under DC's Consumer Protection and Procedures Act.

Project

Plastic Pollution Coalition

Legal Team

Richman Law & Policy

Focus Area

Pollution and Toxics