It’s easy to point fingers. The world’s environmental challenges have long made household names like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Amazon, and China the go-to villains of the sustainability story. But maybe it’s time to take a step back, reassess, and offer something a little different: thanks.
Not uncritical thanks. Not blind admiration. But a genuine nod to progress because in an era of climate anxiety and packaging panic, positive change from those with real influence deserves to be acknowledged.1. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola doesn’t shy away from its impact and that’s a good starting point. With a global presence that reaches even the remotest corners, their choices matter. Their recent push toward 100% recycled PET bottles in several markets, investment in closed loop systems, and trials of refillable models aren’t just box ticking exercises, they represent real shifts in how beverage giants view their environmental legacy.
Progress may be gradual, but when Coca-Cola acts, the ripples are global.
2. McDonald’s
McDonald’s has come a long way from the days of polystyrene clamshells and excess waste. Today, they’re experimenting with reusable packaging, adopting certified sustainable sourcing for beef, coffee, and fish, and making strides toward net zero emissions. Their ambition to make every Happy Meal a little less heavy on the planet is admirable and achievable.
McDonald's feed millions daily. Changing their systems sends signals far beyond the Golden Arches.
3. Amazon
Amazon’s impact on packaging and transport is vast but so is its capacity for innovation. From introducing fully recyclable packaging to aiming for net-zero carbon by 2040 under the Climate Pledge, Amazon is using its scale to drive systemic change. Electrifying their delivery fleet and investing in renewable energy show a commitment to more than just Prime speed.
2. McDonald’s
McDonald’s has come a long way from the days of polystyrene clamshells and excess waste. Today, they’re experimenting with reusable packaging, adopting certified sustainable sourcing for beef, coffee, and fish, and making strides toward net zero emissions. Their ambition to make every Happy Meal a little less heavy on the planet is admirable and achievable.
McDonald's feed millions daily. Changing their systems sends signals far beyond the Golden Arches.
3. Amazon
Amazon’s impact on packaging and transport is vast but so is its capacity for innovation. From introducing fully recyclable packaging to aiming for net-zero carbon by 2040 under the Climate Pledge, Amazon is using its scale to drive systemic change. Electrifying their delivery fleet and investing in renewable energy show a commitment to more than just Prime speed.
They’ve mastered efficiency. Now, they’re applying it to sustainability.
4. China
Often criticised for emissions, China is also home to the largest solar industry, the biggest electric vehicle market, and some of the most ambitious environmental policies on the planet. Urban waste sorting, bans on non-recyclable imports, and circular economy initiatives are laying the groundwork for transformative change. With scale comes complexity but also the power to lead.
These players may not be perfect, but perfection was never the point. Progress, accountability, and momentum; that’s what we should celebrate.
So thank you. For listening. For shifting. For showing that even the largest footprints can start to lighten. More like this (Coca-Cola) - link - more like this (McDonald’s) - link - more like this (Amazon) - link - more like this (China) - link
4. China
Often criticised for emissions, China is also home to the largest solar industry, the biggest electric vehicle market, and some of the most ambitious environmental policies on the planet. Urban waste sorting, bans on non-recyclable imports, and circular economy initiatives are laying the groundwork for transformative change. With scale comes complexity but also the power to lead.
These players may not be perfect, but perfection was never the point. Progress, accountability, and momentum; that’s what we should celebrate.
So thank you. For listening. For shifting. For showing that even the largest footprints can start to lighten. More like this (Coca-Cola) - link - more like this (McDonald’s) - link - more like this (Amazon) - link - more like this (China) - link
I have to be honest - I expected some flaming feedback.
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