McDonald’s Will Do Away With Foam Boxes

I applaud the decision by McDonald’s Corp. to switch its fast-food packaging from polystyrene (foam) to paper-based products (Part A, Nov. 2). A McDonald’s spokesman stated that the decision was based on environmental group pressure and public opinion. However, it was not made clear whether all of the new packaging would consist of recycled paper. In light of McDonald’s previous position, this decision seems incredibly coincidental with the recent increase of oil prices. (Since oil is used in the production of polystyrene resin, the cost of foam containers would rise.)

The true interest of a profit-based corporation is rarely guided by environmental consciousness. This time, an environmental issue coincided with a profitable decision. What about next time?

CAROL FOSSETT, Moorpark