McDonalds Sustainable Packaging

When you see the golden arches you probably do not think of sustainability, however McDonals is taking steps to makes it’s packaging more environmentally friendly.

McDonals Europe announced last year it’s plan to use packaging made from 100% renewable sourced material.

This announcement was part of the Global Best of Green 2009. McDonals collaborated with it’s packaging supplier Havi Global Solutions - Perseco on a global package scoreboard to be used for packaging and buying choices. The scoreboard focused on criteria such as weight, maximizing recycled materials, and favoring renewable sources.

Other key elements were, reducing chemicals, CO2 and green house gas emissions, and maximizing recycle possibilities.

McDonals says on their website that to build their scorecard they worked with their European and North American markets and NGO’s (Non-Government Organizations) such as the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).

The partnership with the EDF has helped McDonals to reduce over 300 million pounds of packaging, 1 million tons of corrugated boxes, and 30% of restaurant waste.

To make these changes McDonals switched from polystyrene foam “clamshells” to paper-based wraps for its sandwiches, converted to unbleached paper carry out bags, reduces paper use by 21% and incorporated 30% post consumer content. Finally McDonals asked suppliers to incorporate 35% post consumer content into their corrugated boxes.

Sources: http://innovation.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=30747, http://popsop.com/26610

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9ejG83lrX4

Suzuki SX4

Suzuki may be better known for their motorcycles in the U.S. then the cars the company offers, but consumers might want to take a look at the SX4 before purchasing their next new vehicle. The SX4 does not offer the best fuel economy for it's class, but at around $15,000 the SX4 is one of the most affordable hatchbacks, especially when you consider Suzuki offers AWD. Feature like navigation, an iPod jack, and lots of safety features like anti-lock brakes and 6 different airbags are included. The SX4 gets 22 mpg city and 30 highway. Again, to some people the fuel economy may be a deal breaker, but if you are looking for a more affordable alternative to a VW Golf or Mini Cooper, this may be a good way to go.

TOMS of Main

These days when we buy a product we often have to think twice about the impact our purchase will have on animal cruelty and the environment. Fortunately some companies are creating products that are both animal and environmentally friendly. Some such products come form a company called TOMS of Main. Though this company makes a variety of home care products their best know products are the toothpastes that you can find in grocery stores. TOMS became the first company in 1995 to have their natural toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. This means that TOMS products have been tested to be effective and safe. The product has also been Kosher and Peta certified.

TOMS list all of their ingredients on their product and also why they are included and what the source is. This can be important information for people who are vegetarians or who have religious views that prohibit the consumption of certain animals.

Though some people may be wary that TOMS sold the majority of their stock to Colgate the two companies have seamed to keep true to their words and kept the two companies separate. Most consumers are probably aware that Colgate requires chemical and animal testing and TOMS keeps it’s products all natural and free from animal testing. While some consumers may still be disappointed the bigger picture is that TOMS can now sell more products and have an increased ability to offer conscious consumers a high quality alternative.

Source: http://www.ecofriendlydaily.com/health/eco-friendly-toothpaste/