Is McDonalds Sustainable?

On the other side of the mountain pass near where I live is a piece of land on the corner of the intersection of two busy roads. It appears to be part of a large preserve. The other three corners are filled with gas stations and commercial enterprises and it is a great corner for them because there is a lot of traffic. The preserve land is nice to look at while waiting at the stop light on the corner or passing by. The eye can start with the trees and cactus there and then move into the hills beyond - geting relief from the press of traffic and commerce.

McDonalds has acquired this corner and is going to put up some golden arches so they can serve Happy Meals. It turns out that it is not part of the preserve, but is owned by the State which wants to get as much money as it can.

Here is a great example of the challenge of sustainability. On one hand we have a perfectly legitimate business enterprise pursuing something we hold dear - the right to pursue profit. This is the basis of our culture: the entrepreneur taking a risk, working hard, overcoming the competition, and creating a viable business enterprise. I believe in this, have done it myself, and help others to do so.

However, this is not a sustainable activity as practiced in our country. There is no consideration for the sustainability needs of the community, only for the potential profit. There is no consideration for those lives that call that corner home - the plants, animals, and insects have no say in the loss of their habitat. There is no consideration for the impact on the earth of yet another fast food restaraunt. It does not increase the ability of the people who live nearby to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

So, how do we resolve this conflict? The first step is to see it as a conflict. Most people will not. They will be sad for the loss of the corner, but will not see it as a part of a larger, cultural problem. I believe we must be free to build these McDonalds. But, wise enough not to. Or, wise enough not to eat there.