McDonald's has endured criticism in the past for its environmentally unfriendly practices. In recent years, the company has focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a variety of initiatives.
Its latest effort in Europe includes switching its traditional red background behind the Golden Arches to hunter green in some stores to promote its eco-friendly image, according to a story in The Chicago Tribune. Some franchise stores in Great Britain and France have made the change, and about 100 stores in Germany will make the change by the end of the year.
McDonald's USA has had its own initiatives. For example, the company participated in a test of the U.S. Green Building Council's new Leadership in Energy and Environment Design for retail standards with a LEED-certified company store. The company also sought and achieved platinum LEED certification for its global company headquarters in Chicago.
In June, the company invited consumers to vote its best green practices with the launch of the 2009 Global Best of Green, a collection of environmental best practices from across the McDonald's system.
