Official demands McDonald's, Starbucks take accountability for worsening problem in community: 'They should be contributing'
Jonathan Moore called out the two food chains specifically because of rampant packaging blowing into Salford Quays from nearby locations, noting that the McDonald's location was particularly noticeable in causing the problem.
"The litter problem generally increased significantly after McDonald's opened, and of course you can identify McDonald's because it's all branded," he said, per MEN.
The Salford Quays councilor explained that if a company helps cause the problem, they should also help fix it. He continued: "The more broader issue of the stuff that's still on the land that anybody could pick up, absolutely, they should be contributing to that, because unless they send a team of people out every day, covering quite a large area, which clearly they are not, then somebody else has to do it."
A 2017 study found that 80% of marine trash is food and beverage packaging. Even in areas not near rivers or oceans, litter can blow into storm drains and enter waterways.
Plastic packaging is particularly dangerous to both land and marine life because it can be mistaken for food. If ingested, it can cause health problems or death for animals, as it doesn't break down in their stomachs.
McDonald's in other countries has made environmentally savvy swaps, and recent data has reflected a growing market for recyclable alternatives to single-use plastic. However, these efforts need to be scaled meaningfully, not just swapping one single-use plastic lid for a plastic cup as McDonald's has done in recent years.
Starbucks has also made forward progress with its sustainability, but the company still has plenty of room for improvement.
Beyond the environmental impact, research has found a negative connection between dilapidated urban areas and mental health. In areas with excess trash, abandoned buildings, and graffiti, for example, one study noted children under 17 were found to be more prone to anxiety and depression.
While studies haven't arrived at a definitive conclusion on whether clearing trash can improve community mental health, research has shown that an increase in green spaces in urban areas correlates with happier residents.
Should companies be required to help recycle their own products?
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The local council has a property team that cleans up trash by hand and by boat on a monthly basis, but the volume of litter requires a more hands-on approach than they can reasonably afford.
McDonald's released a statement in response to the littering problem, noting that restaurant staff do daily litter cleanups in neighborhoods surrounding their restaurants. However, it conceded that working with locals could help improve the impact of these efforts.
"We plan to work with the local Salford council to identify any litter hot spots surrounding the restaurant, which we will look to include in our litter patrols wherever possible," it said.
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'As soon as someone starts to feel unwell they should speak up,' says Croft. 'If they feel dismissed, just reiterate, 'No, I feel very unwell.' Ask for a blood test for sepsis. It's fine to ask.' Escalation is important. 'Mums and dads can always ask for that second opinion. And if they don't feel listened to, ask for another one.' What should I expect on a postnatal ward? You're exhausted, you want to sleep and spend time with your new baby. And yet you are on a post-natal ward with five other women with a curtain around them. Home is the right place for a new mum. 'As soon as you're fit for discharge, get home,' says Croft. After a caesarean, try to mobilise as quickly as you can: 'Four to six hours after the operation try to move. You'll still have some of the pain relief onboard. If you lie there for 12 hours and then try to move, it will be a lot harder.' Whether you gave birth by caesarean or vaginally, one night's stay in hospital as a minimum is standard, in order to access breast-feeding support. 'Six hours is on offer but normally you'd have to request an early discharge.' Again, make a nuisance of yourself. 'Use your call bell. The women who are using it and asking for help go home feeling supported. There is an element where mums have to take responsibility or dads have to help advocate for support.' Who should I turn to if I feel anxious or depressed after the birth? It's not uncommon to feel depressed or anxious after giving birth. If you're blue it's important to seek help from your GP, midwife or health visitor. As Dr Doran says: 'We talk a lot about 'getting back to normal' or feel we should be able to master everything we did in our pre-baby life when we become parents. However other cultures see this differently and encourage new mums to stay in bed or at home for as long as possible in the days after birth to rest and adjust physically and mentally to what has happened.' At the core of the anxiety women can feel is feeding. Dr Doran speaks from experience: 'Having watched videos in antenatal class of the perfect attachment and breastfeeding experience occurring seamlessly, when it came to my turn, wondering why my baby wasn't doing this in the same way and being convinced it was my fault.' Take the help and support, but also nourishment of your baby is the most important thing. If this needs to be with formula or mixed feeding, that is absolutely fine and the right decision for you and your baby. 'Don't let anyone guilt you or make you feel less of a mum because of it,' she says. 'These days and weeks are the most exciting and special time, but they can be extremely hard too and fraught with tiredness, fear and self doubt. Take it easy on yourself, what is right for you is right for your baby and remember this is just the beginning of your lives together.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.