McDonald's recognized by minister of environment for green practices

McDonald's Korea received a minister of environment award on Friday for green practices, such as limiting plastic use and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Environment Minister Han Wha-jin, left, and McDonald's Korea CEO Kim Ki-won pose for a photo after purchasing coffee in tumblers at the McDonald's Coex chain in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Friday. [NEWS1]

McDonald’s Korea received an award from Korea’s environment minister on Friday for green practices, such as limiting plastic use and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The award was presented to the fast food company one day before Earth Day, which falls on Saturday. Through recycling and regeneration of waste materials generated in stores, including coffee grounds and plastic, McDonald’s has been able to reduce approximately 150,000 kilograms (330,700 pounds) of carbon dioxide emissions, the company said Friday. In February, it introduced a new employee uniform made from recycled PET outerwear, which reuses plastic cup lids that are discarded in stores as filling material. The award ceremony took place during the 15th Climate Change Conference at COEX in southern Seoul on Friday, organized by the Ministry of Environment. Following the event, McDonald’s Korea CEO Kim Ki-won and Environment Minister Han Wha-jin visited a nearby McDonald’s outlet to demonstrate carbon neutrality by using a tumbler to order a coffee. “We will continue to engage in activities that promote eco-friendly management and strive to fulfill our responsibilities as a leading company,” a spokesperson for McDonald’s Korea said.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]