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McDonald’s has opened a net-zero carbon restaurant in England that will act as a blueprint for future restaurants, an industry first

4/29/2022

Treehugger.org reported on a McDonald's restaurant built in England "which is one of the first to account for embodied carbon—the upfront carbon that is emitted in the construction of the restaurant—as well as the operating emissions."* They lowered carbon emissions during construction by using various recycled materials, including appliances:
"The walls were insulated with sheep wool and clad with metal made from recycled IT equipment and "white goods": washers, fridges, and stoves, along with sustainably sourced poplar and plastic cladding made from recycled plastic bottles. The internal parapets on the roof, which nobody sees, are apparently made from recycled toasters and blenders. Instead of the usual aluminum commercial windows, it has used sustainably sourced timber.
A thousand concrete curbs were replaced with Durakerbs made out of plastic bottles, and the drive-thru lane is paved with recycled tires."
Operating emissions were reduced by installing solar panels as well as wind turbines. Author Lloyd Alter described this as an impressive first step toward sustainable construction.

*https://www.treehugger.com/mcdonalds-net-zero-restaurant-uk-5220187?utm_campaign=treehugger&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=26850509&utm_term=

We are going in the wrong direction with plastic production but public awareness and changes we make at home crucially help

4/21/2022

An article by David A. Taylor on discovermagazine.com reports on a Pew study that identifies two possible scenarios for the future of plastics. The current trend is toward more plastics and the corresponding threat of toxins in the environment. He relates that "the flood of plastic surging into the world’s waters is on track to more than double from 11 million metric tons in 2016 to 29 million metric tons by 2040 — enough to cover every yard of the world’s coastlines in more than 100 pounds of plastic. Current commitments by industry and governments would barely make a dent, promising a mere 7 percent reduction by 2040."* On the other hand, "Pew researchers forecast tangible benefits if we improve consumer behavior along with recycling and waste disposal, strategies that could contribute to an 80 percent reduction in plastic use. They also suggest advances in manufacturing biodegradable and water-soluble plastics, producing plastic from organics, and disposal using plastic-eating enzymes."* He also reports on the role of consumers and government in this process: "Consumer advocacy to influence businesses is key to making the transition happen, Baulch says, and can unlock investor money too.
Government action is also crucial in weaning off plastic. For instance, the Break Free From Plastics bill that was first introduced in 2020 and re-introduced in Congress this March would shift recycling responsibility to producers. This would mark a crucial pivot from past consumer-focused initiatives: It sets forth requirements on waste and recycling systems and deems certain industry producers fiscally responsible for collecting, managing and recycling (or composting) their products."*

*David Taylor, May 1, 2021, "We're facing an uncertain plastic future", Discovermagazine.com

Photo credit: Hillary Daniels, Flickr commons

Switching to a reusable cup is as important for iced drinks as it is for hot drinks since single-use takeout cold cups are made from #5 plastic that is generally not recyclable

4/15/2022

In an article on footprint.org, Jodi Helmer lists the problems with disposable cups. Neither styrofoam nor paper coffee cups, which are lined with plastic, nor plastic coffee cup lids are effectively recyclable. She points out that "The plastic cups used for iced drinks are also problematic. Most are made from polypropylene (#5 plastic) that is not accepted in many curbside recycling programs."* Paper sleeves for hot drinks are recyclable and often made from recycled material. As an alternative, she suggests "to avoid the cup conundrum, take your own mug. Coffeeshops often offer small discounts to customers who bring their own cups (at Starbucks, the discount is 10 cents). In Berkeley, California, coffee drinkers who want to take their dark roast to go will pay an additional 25 cents for their cups thanks to a new ordinance aimed at reducing single-use plastics. The fee goes into effect in 2020."* She also recommends avoiding lids, straws and stirrers.

*Jodi Helmer Published: 8/14/19, Last updated: 12/11/20, "The Massive Impact of Your Takeout Coffee Cup" , footprint.org
Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Adopt “hanami,” the Japanese custom of viewing flowering trees in spring, whether by picnic, lanterns under the night sky, or a quiet moment’s revel with cherry blossoms

4/7/2022

The practice of appreciating and enjoying trees is described in the www.treehugger.com article by Melissa Breyer. As she describes the practice of viewing cherry blossoms as being "as simple as a walk amongst the trees or a few moments of reveling in the individual beauty of one. But it is often much more.
Traditionally it includes a picnic/party set beneath the pink clouds of sakura—there are friends and family, favorite foods, and sake. And of course, there is reverence for the trees and the fleeting transience of the blossoms, which last no more than two weeks. "* She suggests for our own appreciation of trees: "Starting with a few weeks in spring when they're at their most exuberant is a lovely way to start."*

*Melissa Breyer, March 20, 2022, "We should all adopt 'Hanami,' the Japanese tradition of flower viewing." www.treehugger.com

photo by Susan O'Donnell

Use crinkled paper instead of plastic Easter basket grass

4/1/2022

Plastic Easter basket grass does not break down and ultimately sits in a landfill or in the environment, tangling animals and clogging waterways. There are all sorts of viable alternatives. Crinkled paper is biodegradable and is safer. Make your own by folding paper or tissue (saved from holiday gifts!) and cutting into thin strips. This option also cuts down on the plastic packaging. If you prefer to buy, purchase grass made from recycled paper or other natural materials such as wood fiber or raffia. A truly natural and compostable option is to grow your own grass from seed or make a bed of greens such as kale or dandelion leaves.

Photos by Susan O'Donnell

McDonald’s has opened a net-zero carbon restaurant in England that will act as a blueprint for future restaurants, an industry first

We are going in the wrong direction with plastic production but public awareness and changes we make at home crucially help

Switching to a reusable cup is as important for iced drinks as it is for hot drinks since single-use takeout cold cups are made from #5 plastic that is generally not recyclable

Adopt “hanami,” the Japanese custom of viewing flowering trees in spring, whether by picnic, lanterns under the night sky, or a quiet moment’s revel with cherry blossoms

Use crinkled paper instead of plastic Easter basket grass

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