McDonald's 'claim' to help Salisbury's environment

Tuesday, 8 November 2022 00:00

McDonald’s is ditching it's plastic cutlery in favour of paper cutlery in their UK restaurants, including its Winchester Street store from today.

The fast-food giant says it serves 858 metric tonnes of plastic each year, but experts believe that figure is much higher.

The company says their new cutlery made from 'resilient, renewable, certified pressed-paper' will be fully recyclable and compostable.

The move follows the introduction of paper-based straws for many of their drinks. However, their drinks continue to be served using plastic lids.

Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Tesco have historically been among those responsible for 65% of packaging picked up a litter across the country, according to environmental group Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

Coca-Cola, the world's biggest plastic polluter is - perhaps ironically - a sponsor of the COP27 climate change convention in Egypt.

The new McDonald's cutlery is being rolled out in restaurants across England from today, following a test in Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland recently.

Nina Prichard, head of sustainable and ethical sourcing at McDonald’s, said, “As a business, we’re committed to taking action on packaging and waste and increasing our use of sustainable materials".

In June this year, nearly half of all McDonald’s shareholders (representing more than $51billion in market value) supported a resolution that requested the company establish concrete actions to combat plastic pollution.

The 'As You Sow' consortium said McDonald’s is “a cultivator of wasteful ‘to-go’ packaging culture”.

More from Local News

Army Flying Museum to Reopen as Power Issues are Resolved

Following a record-breaking half-term week, enthralling visitors with what life was like during the 1940s, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire was dealt a devastating blow, losing all power on the evening of 19th Feb and keeping its doors firmly closed for three weeks.
Defeat in Torquay leaves bittersweet taste after a positive performance

Salisbury suffered defeat in a close encounter with playoff-chasing Torquay United away from home after two second-half goals sealed their fate.
Wiltshire Council to launch 'Inclusive Wiltshire'

Wiltshire Council is launching Inclusive Wiltshire this spring, a new approach to providing accessible activities and experiences for children and young people with additional needs and Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).
Amesbury Scout Group Leaders Recognised for Significant Contributions

Three leaders at Amesbury Scout Group have been recognised for their 'outstanding service' by the Scouting Association.
Whites prepare for trip to Plainmoor under the lights

After a crucial win against a struggling Eastbourne Borough side, Salisbury set their sights on another club in need of a result in Torquay United.
'Coward' jailed after kicking homeless woman in head unprovoked

Video

A “coward” has been jailed after kicking a homeless victim in the head unprovoked while she was lying defenceless on the floor.
New Market Launching at Wilton Village This Weekend

A brand-new community market will launch at Wilton Village this weekend, bringing a vibrant mix of local traders, artisan goods, food, and live entertainment to the area.
Salisbury F2 Star Gets Season Underway in Melbourne with Challenging Start

Salisbury-based motorsport star John Bennett kicked off a new season of FIA Formula 2 Championship competition this weekend (6-8th March), enjoying his first race action with Trident Motorsport alongside the Formula 1 season opener in Melbourne, Australia.