Day 243 - 02 May 96 - Page 21

     
     1        be a resource in themselves rather than having a negative
     2        impact.
     3
     4   Q.   Can we agree at least on this, Miss Link, that all these
     5        problems, whatever approach you adopt, there is a balance
     6        to be met somewhere, a price to be paid?
     7        A.  I think all of our behaviours have impact.  The more of
     8        them that we can control locally and the less material
     9        arrives to us to be used and then thrown away, the more
    10        likely we are to make the improvement which lends us
    11        towards -- leads us towards the no waste society.
    12
    13   Q.   Do you also agree, perhaps, with this, that a responsible
    14        company, whether it be a manufacturer or a retailer, unless
    15        it merely takes the decision to shut up shop and close down
    16        its business, will continue to look to see what are the
    17        best ways in which it can meet these problems in the
    18        conduct of its business?
    19        A.  I, believing as I do, that the reuse systems and
    20        minimising the amount of the material moving about are the
         best, I think that McDonald's has an excellent opportunity
    22        to look at those best practices and use them before it is
    23        forced to in different countries.  It could take a lead.
    24        It has a major opportunity.  Some companies are taking
    25        those positive opportunities.
    26
    27   Q.   You can be sure, Miss Link, that those kind thoughts will
    28        be passed onto the directors of McDonald's.  I am very
    29        grateful to you.
    30
    31                    Re-examined by the Defendants
    32
    33   MS. STEEL:   Can I just ask, apart from the energy and chemicals
    34        that go into the process when the packaging is being made,
    35        are there also energy usage detergents and other chemicals
    36        that have to be used in the recycling process and waste
    37        disposal?
    38        A.  Recycling has its own, it is a process -- really it is
    39        a process of waste disposal and it does have impacts.
    40
    Q.   In those areas in the use of chemicals and energy and
    42        water?
    43        A.  Yes, although when you balance it with the original
    44        use, when the wood was pulped, the recycling comes out
    45        better, but it would be better to use less in the first
    46        place.
    47
    48   Q.   Yes.
    49
    50   MR. MORRIS:  Do you know of any local authority or respected 
    51        relevant organisation who have called for the ending of the 
    52        use of plates, knives and forks on either hygiene grounds 
    53        or water use grounds?
    54        A.  No, it is an established practice, and you may have to
    55        make sure they are washed properly.  It is normal hygiene;
    56        people wash their hands properly and that sort of thing.
    57
    58   MR. MORRIS:  No further questions.  Thank you.
    59
    60   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Thank you, Miss Link.