CHICAGO McDonald’s Corp., after reducing its carbon footprint by more than 80,000 pounds in the past year, recently was named one of 12 exemplary eco-friendly businesses in the Chicago area. —
As part of the honor, Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald’s is being featured in an outdoor billboard campaign honoring the company’s eco-friendly efforts. The McDonald’s/Clean Air Counts billboard is located on the eastbound side of Interstate 290 near Chicago’s Racine Avenue. —
The campaign is part of Chicago’s “Clean Air Counts” program, which is sponsored by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and encourages companies to become more environmentally friendly by reducing pollution emissions and improving the city’s air quality. —
Officials at Clean Air Counts said the program’s participants to date have reduced pollution by nearly 3 million pounds. Since the program’s inception, more than 500 businesses and organizations have agreed voluntarily to reduce their air-pollution emissions, said Eve Pytel, Clean Air Counts’ program director. —
“These corporations deserve to be recognized for their work,” said Thomas Murawski, chairman of Clean Air Counts and mayor of Midlothian, Ill. “They’ve used more energy-efficient construction materials in their buildings and changed the way they conduct business to help the environment.” —
McDonald’s in 2007 reduced the amount of air pollution it emits by 80,855 pounds by switching to environment-friendly lighting, cleaning products, paint, chemicals and office equipment at its global headquarters, company officials said. —
“McDonald’s Corp. has a long history of environmental leadership,” said Joe Endress, corporate vice president of facilities and systems for the quick-service chain. “We’re proud of the positive impact we are having on the environment as a result of efficiencies in our global headquarters, and we’re grateful to be recognized by Clean Air Counts.” —
Other companies honored for their green contributions were Shedd Aquarium, Chicago; Pella Windows and Doors, Chicago; Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago; Wyndemere Senior Living Campus, Wheaton; Hewitt Associates, Chicago; Nicor Gas, Naperville; Little Company of Mary, Evergreen Park; Spraylat, Chicago; Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe; Navistar Engine Group, Melrose Park; and Marianjoy, Wheaton. —