McDonalds Plans to Lower Use of Pesticides
McDonald’s is making a vow to reduce the use of pesticides in the potato farming industry in America. Since they are America’s largest consumer of potatoes, investing shareholder groups pushed for action to be taken to help determine the social and environmental impacts the pesticide use is having. This resolution is not forcing McDonald’s to actually reduce it’s pesticide, but do a study on the current pesticide use in the potato industry as well as a set of actions top potato supplies can take. To see the entire document please visit the SEC’s website.
Seeing that McDonald’s is such a huge consumer of potato’s in America, it’s great to see that they are at least taking steps to reduce their environmental and health impacts. This doesn’t really change the fact that their food is unhealthy nor that they probably the most environmentally friendly company.
What are you thought on this move by McDonald’s? Do you think it’s a facade and they are just trying to improve their image or in fact are trying to make a change?
Comments
At least they are willing to take steps….better later than never.
I agree that this is very cool to see McDonalds make this move, hopefully it will lead others to follow their suit.
To be honest though, I try to avoid eating McDonalds whenever possible though, because of all the other questionable stuff they put in their foods, such as all the crazy preservatives.
You also have to take into account all the negative impacts their manufacturing system has on the environment.
While I think this is an awesome first step, they have a long way to go in my book…
I guess I’d be a little more impressed if they would just commit to using organic potatoes and not have to do studies to see what effect the potato industries’ use of pesticides has on the environment. They are in a powerful position and could make a huge impact if they simply told their suppliers that they would no longer accept any pesticide use.
I haven’t been in their store for a long time but, the last time I was there, I was struck by their use of plastic, small containers of ketchup, mayo, etc. and their lack of vegan options … all of which would be areas in which to make positive environmental changes.
Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com
Tiger: I agree completely. There are so many preservatives in fast food in general and McDonald’s is a main culprit. I with you on not eating at there restaurants.
Small Footprints: The study they are doing is not a huge step at all and by buying organic potatoes, they could make a much larger impact. It probably goes back to being more expensive to purchase organic potatoes and they want to maximize their profit.