I'll take a healthier alternative please!

Soda and social networking don’t make a healthy combination.
Two days ago Pepsi Co. announced it’s version of the “Social Vending System,” in which people buy a soda from the vending machine and then “gift” a friend through typing in their name, cell number and personalized message into the machine. The text message will then be sent out to the intended recipient with a code and instructions to redeem a free soda at any other state of the art Pepsi Social Vending system.
It’s no secret that soda is not good for us and with the rising number of obesity in this country it’s no doubt that this new “state of the art” Pepsi machine is just continuing the cycle of obesity, which kills over 100,000 people a year. The Pepsi Co. needs to come up with a healthier alternative to bring in more profit. I know it sounds like an oxymoron- buy a soda and get something healthy, but hey, it’s a start.
It’s better for Pepsi to take the “healthy” route and try to incorporate some sort of healthy incentive to buy their products, rather than just start a cycle of buying soda after soda. This world already sees enough diabetes, cavities and other problems due to being overweight, the least this soda company can due is use this new vending machine to contribute to the improvement of our world, rather than help create more health problems through their products.
I’ve come up with some “healthier” alternatives that can still help Pepsi increase revenue, while still helping customers live better lives.
First, Pepsi can collaborate with some sort of fitness program, whether it be a gym, like Bally’s or 24 Hour Fitness or maybe DVD workouts like the creators of P90X. Instead of sending promotional codes to redeem a free soda, vending machine customers can send out two text messages, one to their phone and another to a friend. The code redeemed online can be used as a discount to some sort of workout class at a gym or a workout video. This way people can have a soda, but also have an option of working out and working off the calories afterwards. Who knows, maybe this will “open the door” for someone to start working out on a daily basis.
Another idea combines soda with philanthropic work. People always love an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate. In the wake of the devastation in Japan and the tragedy of the tornadoes in the southern United States, the Pepsi Co. can team up with a charity like the Red Cross. Instead of typing in someone’s phone number, the customer can choose from a selection of causes to donate to (i.e. Japan, Southern States, Haiti, etc…). Pepsi will then proceed to date a portion on the money made off the beverage to a charity helping out with various devastations around our world. This may seem like a far-fetched idea, but helping those in need is always a compelling reason for people to by a soda.
The word “Social” in “Social Vending,” doesn’t have to always mean commenting on someone’s wall or tagging them in a picture. To be social can be to reach out and communicate with those around you for a greater good. In this case Pepsi has the ability to allow people to “gift” people with the gift of a healthier lifestyle or help during natural disasters.
Even though their business is soda, one of the unhealthiest beverages one could consume, The Pepsi Co. needs to recognize that they shouldn’t use their products and the latest technology to play with a person’s health. It is pretty obvious that these “social vending” machines will start a vicious cycle of consumers increasing their intake of Pepsi.
On the PepsiCo. Web site, Chief Innovation Officer, Mikel Durham said, “Our vision is to use innovative technology to empower consumers and create new ways for them to engage with our brands.” But I highly doubt this is empowering customers, especially if they are putting them in a position in which they will heighten their chances of obesity, diabetes and dental problems.
In 2009 The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research did a study linking soda intake to the rise of obesity in California. They found the following:
• Adults who drink one or more sodas a day are 27 percent more likely to be overweight or obese.
• Each additional serving of soda a day increases a child’s risk of obesity by 60 percent.
• In the last 25 years, the obesity rate in California rose from 8.9 percent to 24 percent, which is about 1 in 4 Americans.
This really does put things into perspective. Christine Sister, VP, equipment innovation, PepsiCo. said on the web site, “Our approach to technology innovation is driven by what we know consumers want.” I understand what she’s saying, but ultimately I don’t think costumers want to become part of the chain of consumers that will contribute to the increase of obesity in this country.
The web site goes on to say, “Social vending also enables, ‘Random Acts of Refreshment’- the ability to buy a drink for a complete stranger through any other Social Vending system.” That’s great that Pepsi has good intentions in this area, but realistically they will be doing a better act if they promote less soda and more healthy habits, which can enable their loyal customers to live a longer life.