# McDonalds
A conversation about working to protect the planet, featuring observations from the public.
Sustainable
What is good and lasting, from the perspective of environmentally-oriented customers
Exterior looks like it would last a long time … and seems natural. Perhaps an opportunity, in the future, for requiring carbon-infused concrete?
Low flow toilets … especially important in California. Is this common across all of their restaurants?
No paper towels! Neither the use of resources nor the creation of waste.
Stainless steal looks like it would last a long time. In designing new facilities, could be an opportunity to support green steel manufacturers/
No plastic ketchup packets !!
Table tops look durable and natural.
Minimal packaging … and probably biodegradable. Is this soy Ink?
Earthy-looking ceramic floors look timeless and should be durable.
Lights appear to be LEDs
They joined the Clean Energy Buyers Association. I wonder how much of their energy actually comes from renewables.
Love that they use 40% post-consumer recycled paper for their bags.
Unsustainable
What is wasteful or an opportunity for improvement
Solar canopy in parking lot would provide shade and help power a facility that is likely use a lot of energy.
Faucet was running. Install automatic faucets.
Is there any way these can be made of compostible plastic? These just go right to the landfill.
Ugh. “Billions of single-use plastic straws served.” Can they be made of compostible plastic?
Can they work plant material into their meats?
These go right to landfill …at scale. Can they be made of compostible plastic … or be smaller, perhaps digital?
McDonald's aims to 'drastically' reduce plastic in Happy Meal toys in favor of more sustainable materials as part of plan to slash plastic waste by 90% by 2025
This image of a tiny solar panel … in their sustainability plan online … feels false, given the amount of energy these facilities are likely to use. #greenwash
Some of their restaurants still use these horrible plastic packets that go straight into landfill. Replace them with the pumps.
Honest Statistics
What are the most revealing statistics about the true sustainability of this institution?
Obstacles
In your opinion, what is holding the institution back? Why have these solutions not been implemented?
True Progress
What is this organization doing in sustainability that is truly meaningful — effective, done at scale, having a positive impact?
Specific Solutions
What products, services and vendors should the institution pursue? Where are they needed?
Best Opportunities
In your opinion, what three or four solutions should the institution pursue?
Positive Vision
Paint a picture of a greener future … I see a time when …
Decision Makers
Who in the organization is in a position to green light these solutions?
Solutions
What the company is doing in each of these areas …and how far along they are.
Conduct Building Energy Audit
Maximize On-Site Solar
Show Energy Use to Building Occupants
Retrofit Building to Save Energy
Purchase Renewable Energy
Use Software to Manage Energy
Upgrade HVAC System
Heat Water with Solar Energy
Use Reusable Flatware / Install Dishwashers
Use Containers Made from Recycled & Compostable Materials
Use Recycled Paper or other Sustainable Alternatives
Provide Clearly Marked Recycling Facilities
Set Aggressive Goals for Reducing Carbon
Use a Green Bank
Purchase Green Insurance
Pivot to More Sustainable Business
Regulate Employee Travel
Solicit Employee or Customer Ideas About Reducing Waste
Allow Employees to Work from Home
Incentivize Use of Public Transportation or Car Pooling
Set Challenging Standards for Supply Chain
Convene Industry Peers to Promote Sustainability
Lobby for Sensible Green Policy
Fund Industry Sustainability Organizations
Identify Unsustainable Products
Buy Green Alternatives at Scale to Drive the Price Down
Seek Alternatives to Unsustainable Products
Promote Alternatives to Unsustainable Products
Electrify Transportation
Provide Vehicle Charging
Convert Waste to Energy
Install Food Digesters
Install Automatic Faucets
Recycle Water
Collect Rain Water
Replace grass with native alternatives
Get Certified as Green Business
Get LEED Certified
Become a B-Corp
Join 1% for the Planet