The world we now live in is filled with technological advancements, rising demand, and competitive markets. It is not enough to just showcase unique products. Instead, businesses should focus on sustainability, a key concern of the modern consumer base. For example, at GSGF, we are aiming to build eco-friendly schools to give students hands-on experience with sustainable farming and other practices. Even the largest fast food chain, McDonalds, is trying to develop a more environment-friendly business model.
The fast food franchise intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030. As a pioneer in the fast-food industry, McDonalds has over 37,000 locations in 120 countries. Food production for such a large corporation produces a lot of emissions at every stage, from sourcing ingredients to packaging the food. In this case, even a small reduction can largely benefit the environment. Other big names in the industry, including Burger King, Wendys, Subway and Starbucks, are also making sustainable changes to stay competitive.
McDonalds’ Sustainable Initiatives
Solar-Powered Restaurant
On July 1, the chain announced the opening of a solar-powered restaurant at Disney World in New York. The 8,024 square foot building is covered in solar panels and will feature a natural cooling design to minimize energy use. The 1,066 rooftop solar panels can produce up to 600,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. The restaurant also has photovoltaic glass (PV glass) panels. The windows automatically open and close to push out hot air while keeping cool air circulating inside the restaurant.
Other features are interactive, such as stationary bikes that produce electricity and tablet games for kids to learn more about sustainability.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
McDonalds also plans to reduce packaging waste. By 2025, 100% of their packaging will come from renewable, recycled or certified sources. Locations in Canada have already implemented a system that uses 1500+ fewer tons of paper. Here are some key features of their model:
- Napkins: They made their napkins 20% smaller and all of them are made with 100% recycled fibre. This alone has saved 900 tons of paper from consumption.
- McWrap cartons: Instead of the carton packaging, they’ve transitioned to paper wrap. This saves more than 400 tons of packaging.
- Coffee cups: They’ve removed paper from the outer layer of the cup, which saves more than 123 tons of paper.
Sustainable Sourcing for Meat & Coffee Beans
The franchise is making sure to source ingredients from sustainable sources. 100% of their espresso beans come from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. In addition, they source their beef, chicken, and fish from certified sustainable suppliers.
Other Eco-Friendly Initiatives
McDonalds is making several significant changes in the name of sustainability. However, there is much more they can do. One of its competitors, Starbucks, has upped their game on waste reduction. Since 2019, the famous coffee chain has been using recyclable cup lids instead of plastic straws. These straws take about 200 years to decompose, which means they remain in landfills and oceans for long periods. This change will help to eliminate more than 1 billion plastic straws globally per year. McDonalds can definitely learn from Starbucks for this.
Another sustainable change for McDonalds and its competitors to consider is to use packaging made of polylactic acid (PLA) instead of synthetic polymers (plastic). PLA is made from fermented sugars, usually corn starch, and is biodegradable.
Conclusion: Sustainability is Key to the Success of Businesses
McDonalds might not offer the most healthy food and their practices still may not be as sustainable as they can be, but the franchise has taken significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint. Other chain restaurants should learn from McDonalds because only sustainable businesses can survive in the long term.
Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/solar-powered-mcdonalds-open-at-disney-world-in-pictures-2020-7
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/mcdonald-s-canada-announces-country-s-first-green-concept-restaurant-as-part-of-its-sustainability-journey-830545958.html
The Sustainable Restaurant Needs Big Chains Right Now
https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/scale-for-good/esg-reporting/progress-and-performance.html#packaging-fn02
https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2018/07/10/starbucks-to-ditch-plastic-straws-worldwide-for-adult-sippy-cups/#2f6fda89c9eb
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/corn-starch-packaging-2221071
