After enjoying a Happy Meal at McDonald’s, one thought that is probably not at t
After enjoying a Happy Meal at McDonald’s, one thought that is probably not at top of mind for kids and parents alike is the impact of the meal’s packaging on the planet’s forests. In a typical Happy Meal, in addition to the paper cup and napkins, the burger is wrapped in paper, as is the plastic straw; the fries arrive in a paper sleeve; ketchup packets, made from a thin plastic film, are also supplied—and of course, there’s the plastic toy. At the world’s largest restaurant chain, serving over 69 million people daily, with 37,000 locations in over 100 countries, all of this packaging, made primarily from trees, goes straight into the trash, and subsequently, a landfill.
In an effort to reduce waste, McDonald’s is working on improving its sourcing, transportation, and packaging. The company recently announced that by 2025, all packaging, including single-use plastic straws, on customer products will come from “renewable or recycled sources,” or sources with a preference for certification by environmental organizations, the Forest Stewardship Council or the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. Both nonprofit organizations have a goal to protect forests for future generations by setting standards for responsible forest management. Additionally, by 2025, McDonald’s has also said that it will make recycling an option at all global locations. To date, only 10% of its 37,000 locations offer recycling. McDonald’s customers continue to express concern over the company’s green image. The company acknowledges that it has a long road ahead to accomplish its goal of recycling 100% of guest packaging at all of its restaurants. Recycling infrastructure, regulations, and consumer behaviors differ from city to city and country to country. However, the burger giant believes that even small changes can and will make a difference.
ASSIGNMENT: In 1-2 pages, 10-12 point font, please provide your answers to the following questions. The thoughtfulness and completeness of your responses will help determine your score. Please remember to edit and proofread your assignment before submitting.
Questions for Critical Thinking
1. The average American uses six trees worth of paper each year. In reality, forest products like toilet paper, napkins, tissues, and paper towels are used by people every day. What solutions exist to lessen or prevent clearing the earth’s forests to produce such products?
2. McDonald’s has also committed to replace recycle bins within its stores and to do away with eco-unfriendly and nearly impossible-to-recycle plastic (polystyrene) foam cups. Research the status and results of its initiatives. What did you learn?
3. Decades ago, McDonald’s used Styrofoam containers for its burgers but later decided to change to paper. Which option do you think is better and why?
4. In the United States, over a half-billion plastic straws are consumed daily at restaurant establishments like McDonald’s. What solutions exist to lesson the amount of plastics used in this business model? What do you think, personally about these options?
5. Of the seven eras of business history, where does environmental responsibility fall?
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