What’s so special about Ukraine’s minerals? A geologist explains 
As the Black Summer megafires neared, people rallied to save wildlife and domestic animals. But it came at a real cost 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Anthropic Reportedly Taps Wilson Sonsini as It Prepares for a Potential 2026 IPO 
Tesla Expands Affordable Model 3 Lineup in Europe to Boost EV Demand 
USPS Expands Electric Vehicle Fleet as Nationwide Transition Accelerates 
Britain has almost 1 million young people not in work or education – here’s what evidence shows can change that 
GesiaPlatform Launches Carbon-Neutral Lifestyle App ‘Net Zero Heroes’ 
Firelight Launches as First XRP Staking Platform on Flare, Introduces DeFi Cover Feature 
How America courted increasingly destructive wildfires − and what that means for protecting homes today 
Ukraine minerals deal: the idea that natural resource extraction can build peace has been around for decades 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Canada’s local food system faces major roadblocks without urgent policy changes 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
UPS MD-11 Crash Prompts Families to Prepare Wrongful Death Lawsuit 
McDonald's has launched a nationwide initiative to use paper straws and wooden spoons, forks, knives, and muddlers at its branches in Japan.
The move is part of McDonald's global commitment to change all customer packaging to renewable, recycled, or certified materials by the end of 2025.
McDonald's Japan has been working on plastic-free straws and other products while also taking a taste, security, and usability into account.
Before their widespread adoption, paper straws and wooden spoons, forks, knives, and muddlers manufactured from FSC®-certified paper and wood and that are environmentally friendly have already been made available in all stores in the prefectures of Kanagawa and Kyoto.
The firm predicts that by moving to paper straws and wooden spoons, forks, knives, and muddlers at about 2,900 locations countrywide, it will reduce the usage of plastic by 900 tons annually.
As it works to promote a sustainable society and pursues its aim to give "great meals and smiles to everyone in the community," McDonald's Japan intends to keep listening to customer feedback and actively developing environmentally friendly utensils and packaging.
Some items will still be in plastic, including straws for kids, straws for McShake, spoons for specific products, and straws attached to milk cartons.
