McDonald’s Serbia has launched a platform called “Small Steps to Big Changes,” which encompasses all of the company’s projects and initiatives related to climate action, natural resource conservation, waste reduction, the transition to sustainable packaging and toys, as well as various volunteer and community support actions
As one of the world’s largest quick-service companies, McDonald’s knows that it has the power to drive real changes that address social and environmental challenges. This is a responsibility it takes seriously and embraces, seeing it also as an opportunity for progress.
When the company says “billions served,” it’s not just about burgers; it’s about the support provided to the community, partners, employees, and suppliers, because McDonald’s understands the difference between being in a community and being part of one.
On its journey to positively impact the communities it serves, McDonald’s already has a significant advantage: ITS EMPLOYEES. All McDonald’s employees who have joined the “McVolunteers” volunteer club are utilizing their personal desire and passion to create changes in the world around them, to inspire colleagues and share successes.
McVolunteers aren’t just participants in various activities initiated by McDonald’s – from planting trees and reducing CO2 in urban areas, or spending time and making jewelry, decorating Christmas trees with members of the Creative Educational Center that cares for youth with developmental disabilities, to participating in the “Children’s Day of Activities in Nature” and many others – but rather often suggest activities that McDonald’s can support. #mcvolunteers #mcdvolunteers
Since 2019, the Happy Readers program has offered books on various topics as part of the Happy Meal menu for children – over 350,000 books have been chosen by parents for their children over the past five years. Research shows that reading is important in stimulating the imagination, learning, and understanding
The company is also active in the area of generating energy savings. Restaurants have an equipment activation plan to turn on equipment gradually and only when needed, thus reducing electricity consumption. Additionally, maintenance plans, such as cleaning condensers on refrigeration units, impact energy consumption. Restaurant climate systems have energy recovery units that utilize exhaust air to heat or cool incoming air depending on the season and outside temperature, thus saving energy.
The oil used for frying French fries is later converted into fuel, while glycerin is used to prepare household products – from cleaning agents to cosmetics. Over the past 10 years, more than a million kilograms of used oil has been processed, saving over 3,200 tons of CO₂.
Since 2019, the Happy Readers program has offered books on various topics as part of the Happy Meal menu for children – over 350,000 books have been chosen by parents for their children over the past five years. Research shows that reading is important in stimulating the imagination, learning, and understanding.
The actions implemented by the company – together with its partners and suppliers worldwide – support local communities despite unforeseen global challenges. Only together, through support, can we make the world we live in a better place for us and for future generations. Only together, with small steps, can we achieve big changes.