I am so excited about how many people got on board with the social media flash mob this weekend. I think in this day and age, it is inexcusable for any business not to be doing the absolute best they can to model social and environmental responsibility. Unfortunately, it often seems like the opposite is true, when so many major brand names are debuting “on-the-go” versions of their staple products multiplying unnecessary plastic waste.
When it comes to disposable cups, many people take issue with the unsustainable consumption of paper products and the toll it takes on our planet’s lungs (the trees). As important as this is, it’s not even my main concern – my worry is the waste. Where will all this trash go? Did you know that the average American office worker goes through 500 disposable cups in the course of a year*? It’s really long past time to start taking responsibility for the waste we create and demanding l0w- or zero-waste options from our local businesses and from large corporations.
Hence, this week’s Starbucks Flash Mob!
To clear up confusion, yes, some Starbucks shops have mugs at the shop for in-store customers. Their website says: “Customers enjoying their beverage in-store can also request that it be served in a ceramic mug where available.” I take issue with two things in that statement. First, we shouldn’t have to ask. How many people are going to assume this is available when these cups may or may not be visible (I have never seen any at my local Starbucks)? Further, will customers even remember to ask? Most fast-food joints ask “For here or to go?” Why can’t Starbucks baristas ask the same thing and encourage in-store customers to use a mug? Secondly, there is no good reason why this option shouldn’t be available in all Starbucks. If the argument is that they don’t have the washing facilities on site, then (in my opinion) they shouldn’t have leased that space in the first place. I understand there are many Starbucks kiosks around and that’s another story, but for all full-fledged shops, they should have mugs available and the ability to clean them. It is a restaurant, after all.
As for the flash mob, here are some of the comments I found on the Starbucks & Starbucks Canada Facebook pages:
…..Hey Starbucks; getting your baristas to offer your coffee in a “for-here” mug first would truly go far to ‘inspire and nurture the human spirit’ and help decrease waste. Canadians love drinking coffee from a fabulous ceramic mug!
…..hey Starbucks 
les verres et les tasses réutilisables ( = en céramique ou en verre) c’est bien mieux pour apprécier un bon café à l’intérieur ou sur la terrasse de vos établissements! Faites que vos baristas proposent TOUJOURS cette option! Prendre soin de la terre, c’est pas seulement une journée par année, mais bien 24/7, avec chaque client!
…..How about reusable cups for in-store use?! I’d enjoy my coffee sipping experience much more if it were from a ceramic mug! any steps to reduce waste would send a great message to starbucks doubters…
However, it’s important to keep it going this week. Here’s what you can do:
::Visit the Starbucks Facebook pages again and “like” other people’s comments and/or comment on what they said. I’ve noticed that the Starbucks moderators have answered comments regarding the rumors about their lack of support of our troops in the past 24 hours, but have said nothing to anyone who has posted about reusable cups. Hmmm. We need them to take notice and realize that this is important, too.
::Check out the #Starbuckslesswaste page on Twitter and retweet your little heart out! Keep the message moving.
::Give them a ring and let them know what you think. 1-800-STARBUCKS (1-800-782-7282)
::Email Starbucks here.
::Post your thoughts at mystarbucksidea.com. Click here for their social responsibility page. You do have to create a Starbucks account in order to post, but if you already have one, it’ll be even easier!
::And the most effective thing you can do, for all you die-hard greenies like myself – write them an actual letter. I know, this one is harder. It takes precious time and energy. But nothing makes an impact like a real, actual, tangible letter that they can hold in their hands. One may mean nothing, but even a dozen might make them take notice. You can write to them at: Starbucks Coffee Company, P.O. Box 3717, Seattle, WA 98124-8878.
Please keep the message rolling this week. We’ll wrap up on Friday.
Thank you all so much for your participation!
*Source: Earth 911
This made me remember that my best friend gave me a ceramic mug for my Bday made by a local artist which is stamped with the words: Not Made In China!!
it’s the best one
@Cul de Sac: Love that!! I just read that Team USA’s uniforms are going to be made in China for the Olympics. What the heck?! Do you know if Canada’s athletes will be similarly attired, or do they at least get to wear Made in Canada garments?
Thanks for doing the homework on this! Personally, I hate their coffee and where most of it comes from, and would rather hang out at a locally owned cafe. But for those who go there, every time you accept a to-go cup, you tell them it’s OK. Me? I’d rather bring my own mug and save 10 cents
@EcoGrrl: Me, too! I love our local coffee shop. But our Starbucks is just a mile from my house and within 2 miles of my good friends, and we’ve found it’s close enough to all of us that we won’t be tempted to back out of our weekly meetings! So I walk or bike down there and bring my cup and get my ten cents off and hope that my example might affect other customers!