The last straw: McDonald's anti-plastic charity auction
The last straw: McDonald's anti-plastic charity auction
PLASTIC straws will be withdrawn from all McDonald's branches in Spain from February 24 – and the chain has put its last-ever straw up for auction on eBay.
All proceeds raised from the eventual sale will go to the Ronald McDonald Foundation, which sets up family accommodation in hospitals so parents can be with their sick children.
The fast food company plans to reduce its plastic waste by over 1,350 tonnes by the end of the year in line with European Union requirements, but ahead of the deadlines set by the EU.
Single-use plastic cups and cutlery will be replaced this year – a process which started in 2019 with its salad bowls and McFlurry ice-creams now being in cardboard containers without tops.
By 2018, McDonald's in Spain said 80% of its containers were from recycled, renewable or certified sources, and it is aiming to reach 100% within five years.
McDonald's restaurants in Spain all have recycling bins to 'encourage good habits' among customers, and since 2009, all used cooking oil is collected up for producing bio-diesel.
The chain has been redesigning its restaurants in Spain since 2007 to include more energy-efficient construction elements and fixtures, both in the dining area and the kitchens, focusing heavily on heating, air-conditioning and lighting.
And since 2009, McDonald's in Spain has been monitoring its electricity use round the clock to ensure none of it is wasted.
