Student Environmental Groups Appalled with McDonald's Reaction.

A nation-wide coalition of student environmental organisations expressed dismay after "Clean Up New Zealand Week" sponsor McDonald's refused to clean up it's own environmental practices.

A letter outlining the groups' concerns was given to several McDonald's managers at a protest actions around the country on Sunday, when McDonald's litter was dumped by student protestors at a number of the company's restaurants.

"We were concerned that McDonald's was trying to buy an environmentally friendly image it didn't deserve, so we suggested a number of ways in which they could improve their environmental practices," said Students for Environmental Actions spokesperson, Michael Tritt.

The student groups requested that McDonald's reduce the amount of waste it produced, provide reusable items for dine-in customers and implement a recycling scheme. They also demanded an immediate commitment to phasing out HFC refrigeration systems, which cause global warming.

"Unfortunately, McDonald's has failed to address any of our concerns," Mr Tritt said. "Given their unwillingness to change their woefully inadequate attitude towards the environment, we have no choice but to call for a nation-wide boycott of the company's products."

"The New Zealand public should support Clean Up New Zealand Week by sending a message to McDonald's that its environmental hypocrisy will not be tolerated," he concluded.

Contact Michael Tritt on (03) 479 8013 (day) (03) 487 8820 (evening)

© Scoop Media