McDonald's In New Zealand

Their approach to the environment is evolving with the changing needs for environmental sensitivity. The 3R’s – reduce, re-use, recycle have always been a part of their approach to helping the environment but they know there’s more to it than that. That’s why McDonald’s Corporation globally are teaming up with key environmental organizations to integrate environmental sustainability into all their business practices.

Their key environmental objectives are to:

·         Make the environment a consideration in everything we do

·         Provide environmental leadership, training and education for our suppliers

·         Seek programmes and partnerships that promote positive, environmental outcomes

·         Ensure that we comply with all environmental laws and regulations

·         Ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities and accountable for their actions

·         Review and improve our environmental performance

They're committed to making a difference by putting their environmental objectives into action. Their environmental efforts are focused on four key areas which will cause the most impact.

Energy

They're implementing innovative new strategies to reduce the energy consumption in their restaurants across New Zea land.

·         Electricity and gas: Improved energy efficiency by trialling new equipment that uses less energy.

·         Water: Vital changes to improve water usage and to reduce water waste in all outlets.

·         All restaurants built since 1999 are fitted with water flow control devices, reducing water consumption.

·         Water meters to monitor usage in order for review and to improve it.

·         Grease arresters and additional screens to remove large amounts of grease and solids from entering waste water.

Waste

They're taking action to make sure all materials and products are managed to minimise their environmental impact.

·         Cups, burger and salad boxes are recyclable

·         Working towards a compostable and recyclable waste stream.

·         They will be using their packaging, car park signage and restaurant rubbish bins to remind customers not to litter.

Supply chain

They are encouraging and supporting suppliers to reduce production waste and raw material usage, and to increase the use of recycled and biodegradable materials.

·         Integrated environmental performance into supply chain reporting processes.

·         Suppliers work actively with them on key environmental projects including waste management and packaging.

Programmes Organized.

They are also involved in corporate environmental sustainability through involvement in a range of key environmental initiatives and programs.

New Zealand Packaging Accord
McDonald’s is a signatory to the New Zealand Packaging Accord, which is a voluntary initiative developed in 2004 to help reduce wasteful packaging.  McDonald’s focus is around recycling packaging, reducing unnecessary packaging, waste minimisation and litter.
Earth Hour 2009
McDonald’s signed up to the first national Earth Hour in New Zealand, which was held on 28 March 2009.  Earth Hour aims to raise awareness of climate change issues, and to help play their part, McDonald’s restaurants around the country turned off their iconic Golden Arches and unnecessary restaurant lighting for that hour.