Do the Bubbles From Coca Cola Contribute to the Carbon Footprint?

Is there a point where we can be considered to be taking the whole measurement of our carbon footprint just a little too far? I saw an article in today's paper that asked the question I've headed this post with - Does the escaping carbonation when you open a bottle of Coca-Cola contribute to global warming?

Sheesh, as if we haven't got enough to feel guilty about when we open a bottle of Coke, let alone our contribution to the amount of carbon that is released into the atmosphere by our reckless desire for a refreshing drink.

It is known that Coca-Cola is one of the biggest users of carbon dioxide in the world and that the operations emitted 1.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide last year. Although it is not known what the figures are for the carbon dioxide that is injected into the beverage, the estimates are that it's larger than the figure disclosed above.

The fact is there are a lot of sodas consumed each year - 60 gallons for the average American, in fact - however, experts assure us that the carbon dioxide released through opening each bottle or can is a negligible part of the world's carbon footprint.

That's a relief - now, as long as the Coke isn't stored in a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) fridge all I have to worry about is the sugar content in each bottle.