McDonald's Japan Changes from Plastic to Paper Straws and Wooden Utensils
In April, Japan enacted a law to cut down on single use plastic at convenience stores and restaurants. McDonald's held trials at test locations earlier this year and is now introducing paper straws and wooden utensils nationwide. Last year the fast food chain threw away about 6,500 tonnes of plastic waste from its 2,900 restaurants.
The wooden utensils look nice, although they also become trash. I haven't seen anything about how long the wooden utensils take to break down, or how much of a difference they make. There is so much plastic and packaging in Japan. I'm in favor of the change to less plastic.
Do you know if McDonald's in other countries are also changing from plastic? What do you think about changing to alternatives to plastic?
7 comments:
I haven't been into a McDonalds in a very long time, but apparently they stopped using plastic straws and cutlery a couple of years ago in Australia.
https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/mcdonalds-reduces-plastic-used-in-australia-by-868-tonnes/
According to this article, that is over 800 tonnes less plastic being disposed of per year, an amount which just sounds incredible!
Thetthing I don't get is why did threw the the other away. I can see getting rid of it -- that's admirable. But since it would be trash in bits and pieces one way or one huge but wasted lot another, I would have used them up. That's just me. I don't get the wood. I guess it's better and that's good, but like you said, it's still trash.
We haven't banned plastics, but restaurants can only give you the food you've ordered unless you ask for other things - so no forks or ketchup at the drive-thru unless you say something. If you ask, they'll give you a fork, and it'll be plastic, but if you don't say anything you're going to be eating with your hands. Some chains have a sign to remind you, and if I'm taking the food home it doesn't matter anyway, but I'm the type of person who likes to have some French fries with my ketchup, and if I'm stuck on the road eating dry fries it's pretty disappointing! They just made this law so I'm guessing I'll get used to it. For now I'm trying to take it as a sign that I should have cooked something healthy at home.
I haven't been to McDonald's for a while.
Sometimes I want to eat french fries.
I read you blog today and examined McDonald's efforts in Japan.
Read the sustainability section of our website.
I'm in favor of McDonald's switching to wooden straws and cutlery.
Significant reduction in plastic waste.
McDonald's is committed to the SDGs.
Even if McDonald's change to wood, garbage will still come out. But working on the SDGs will bring about change.
It is important not to emit harmful gases when burning, and it is also good to use recyclable materials.
Improving the forest environment and creating jobs. And safety in use is also important.
I agree with McDonald's taking these initiatives as a company.
Good to hear less plastic will be used, I wonder where the wood comes from? I see a lot of bamboo cutlery in food places here. Have not been to McD for many years. The town I used to live in had a huge increase in rubbish dumped in the park and on the road sides after McDs went in.
There are so many areas were a change away from plastic can be totally painless, and I'm all for it! Haven't been to McD in a while though, so can't say if they already switched here.
Hello Pamela: I am not a fan of plastic; I think this is a grand idea.
Catherine
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