No Straw Day

While on a trip at one of only two theme parks in Hong Kong - Ocean Park, I came across this banner which promotes 'No Straw Day'. This happens every monday, where every single food outlet or kiosk will not be providing straws to the customers. This reminded me that McDonalds have also tried to use the same method to save the environment.

This is a great awareness strategy, however on one hand it is actually using this campaign to make them seem environmentally friendly with no cost on the corporations behalf. But why can't a big corporation like McDonalds, sponsor recylcling bins to be put outside their stores, rather than more 'No Straw Day'?

A Hong Kong politician described the campaign:

'Who is McDonald's trying to fool with its twice-monthly "No Straw Day"? On a recent visit I noted that every single customer, without exception, asked for and received a straw. McDonald's should call it "No Straw Unless You Ask For One Day". And staff still put the same lid that can only be used with a straw on my soft drink. My order was presented on a paper-lined tray, my already paper-wrapped burger was put inside another paper container, my fries were in a paper container, I was given seven paper napkins for a single-person order. I was also given five packets of sauce that I did not ask for. My soda was in a paper cup with a plastic cover. And I was asked if I wanted a straw. It is ridiculous for McDonald's to tout that it is doing anything for the environment by saying it has two days a month where there are no self-service straws. '

More info at: http://www.mcdonalds.com.hk/english/no_straw_day/