Update: Making That Change Happen – Breaking: McDonald’s

Jayawardena,

Incredible. Thanks to you, McDonald’s UK and Ireland will begin transitioning to paper straws in all of its restaurants starting in September!

And more than that, McDonald’s has also begun testing alternatives to plastic straws in Belgium, and has just announced similar trials will start in the U.S., France, Sweden, Norway and Australia later this year. In addition, it will begin tests to offer straws upon request only in several countries including Malaysia.

You have made one of the world’s largest corporations take notice and change its ways. Thank you.

There is still more to do. McDonald’s needs to push out these changes everywhere it operates — while ensuring it continues to cater for disabled people (many of whom need a straw) in all its outlets. And of course, McDonald’s and all corporations need to take urgent and sustained action to tackle the plastic pollution crisis they’ve helped create.

But for today: thank you so much for everything you’ve done that made this change possible!

Here’s a special video message for you from marine biologist and SumOfUs member Dr. Elaine Leung, who’s seen first hand the devastation ocean plastics can create:

If you don’t use Facebook, click here to watch the video on YouTube.