Description: McDonalds Canada is facing criticism for its reluctance to accept reusable coffee mugs at its restaurants; all of its restaurants, that is, except for those in Vancouver. Like many chains, McDonalds started to refuse reusable coffee mugs early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. But competitors such as Tim Hortons and Starbucks have reversed this policy recently. Though disposable coffee cups and plastic lids are not the most extreme environmental issue humanity must deal with, they are very difficult to recycle, and remain an eyesore on beaches, waterways, and roads. Friday, April 22, was Earth Day, so it was perhaps symbolic that CBC chose to run this story on that day.

Date: April 22, 2022

Source:  cbc.ca

 Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/mcdonalds-vancouver-reusable-mugs-1.6426303

Discussion points:

1) Do you use a refillable coffee mug? How about your classmates?

2) Did your university take any specific action to celebrate Earth Day?

3) In Chapter 1 of Wiley’s Auditing: A Practical Approach we see several types of auditing (or assurance) engagements discussed. If a restaurant chain wanted to have some form of assurance provided on its efforts for waste reduction and recycling, what type of engagement would you propose?