Starbucks cups to be made with 10% recycled material

Despite the small fraction of recycled content in the new cups, Starbucks says the move will have considerable environmental effect, saving approximately five million pounds of virgin tree fiber a year. (International Herald Tribune)

Comments

[bar babe]

is it just my store or do other stores not recycle AT ALL (supposedly because we have "no space" for recycling bins) even though starbucks claims to be environmentally friendly?

[Shift for Starbucks]

I'm sure a few stores don't have them but my store has a trash and recycle bin. We also have a seperate bin we put espresso grind into to make "grind for your garden".

Yum, virgin trees.

No partner I know of (including myself) has any sort of recycling at their store. Seeing as how much of what we consume can be recycled, I really think that Starbucks should work harder at ensuring that everyone one of their stores can recycle. Consider the ammount of waste created when your store gets a Seattle orunisource order in

[miss. barista]

We go through about 50 gallons of milk a day and do not recycle a single carton. We always have left-over NY Times and local papers and we never recycle those either. More of an effort needs to be made by store managers and district managers to make recycling more accessible for stores. Lets be a little more 'environmentally friendly" starbucks.

[David C.]

Do anyone remember how many World Trade Centers full of trash McDonalds fills each year? Well I don't, but I'll bet the cups and other trash from Starbucks easily tops it.

[Stephanie M]

Does anyone know where/how/who recycles the paper coffee cup holders?
I'm interested in starting a program at my university of recycling them but I haven't a clue as to where to start.

[Cunning Stunt]

Stephanie, I believe that just tossing them into the paper or cardboard recycling bin will do the trick. They're a paper product. At least that's what I do.

(Kudos for being so environmentally conscious!)

[Ron]

DOES SIZE MATTER??????

Check this out. I went through the drive through the other day and ordered a VENTI and they proceeded to give me a GRANDE. When I corrected them, the employee at the window simply grabbed a VENTI cup and began pouring its contents into it. Without adding any more drink, it filled the Venti cup.

So, why are we paying more for a VENTI when it is the same size as the GRANDE?

Time to ponder. Any others with this experience?

[barista boy]

When I was in the Pittsburgh burbs we got so pissed about the lack of recycling that we started taking turns driving it to the nearest center. Finally the district, which previously claimed that it was the community that wouldnt let them recycle, got around to getting a bin. I suspect that much more could be done in other stores as well.

Also, on top of this interesting cup size issue, I have found that by ordering whip cream, or foam on my coffee, less drink is added.

Anyone else noticed this?

where do you want them to put the whip cream. on top of the lid???

[Sanani]

"where do you want them to put the whip cream. on top of the lid???"

LOL - thanks for the laugh!

BTW - Grande/Venti cup sizes are NOT the same.
Grande = 16 oz.
Venti = 20 oz.
Iced Venti = 24 oz.

Actual amount of beverage varies depending on if you want whipped cream, more or less ice, room for milk, etc.

As for recycling ... I thought it was just our store that made no effort to recycle. We just do the "Grinds for Your Garden" thing. With Starbucks having so many evironmental programs and community events, I'm surprised that it's not mandatory.

I really think Starbucks needs to be more strict about recycling their stores instead of only doing things that look good on newspaper. My location doesn't have recycling bins either.

[barista c]

They might have recycling bins behind the counters. Ask them. At my store we recycle all of the milk jugs and cartons we use and if customers bring up their recylables we toss that in the bin, too.

[red76]

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST FOR IMPLEMENTING PLASTICS, PAPER,AND ORGANIC RECYCLING PROGRAMS. I'M REALLY INTERSTED IN GETTING SOME INPUT

[andrei hedstrom]

mmmm.... trash - i mean starbucks. i think beyond recycling you starbucks fans should try hitting getting it anywhere but in the street. just one man's opinion - i see more starbucks trash than mcdonalds trash and that is saying something.

so sip another grande latte with foam on top of the lid and then chuck it out the window.

[Jay]

I Started Starbucks two days ago, however, I am planning on quitting tomorrow. I am completely discusted by the lack of simple recycling. There is no excuse for this. I have noticed this phenomenon in every Starbucks location. I believe Starbucks promotes an image of "Corporate Responsibility," but like almost all other corporations is chiefly concerned with their image to the public for obvious reasons of profit. Does anyone know how I can contact some part of the corporation for comment? Their website lacks any route of comment, likely for obvious reasons.

[MGR]

Most of the time it's the fault of the landlords. Nearly all Starbucks locations are rented (not owned like McD's for example), and it's usually in the lease that the landlord is in charge of waste. If they decide not to pay for recycling, then it ain't happenin'.

[MGR]

P.S.
Read the "CSR Annual Report" available to download on the Sbux website before you complain about what a horrible corporate citizen the company is. Then download Halliburton's report...oh wait...

[beanbuile]

Just wondering why noone else here seems to think of at least having more people who drink in the store to *not* use a paper cup which are designed for walking down the street and throwing carelessly away - most stores have washable cups and mugs behind the counter. I know I always get one when I ask for one (not that I frequent Starbucks ofen)

[-m]

Out of the 4 stores I have worked at, 3 of them have were able to recycle. The problem I am having at my current store is that the property management will not pay the city to have a recycling dumpster. I have contacted him on numerous occasions asking why or if we could split the difference, but he won't budge. What a dick right?
The whole thing with the ceramic cups is great though. I always encourage my baristas to ask our regular "drinking-in" guests if they want a mug instead. After about a month of this I had to order more of the ceramic mugs because so many customers were into it.

[-m]

wow, my last comment was un-intelligable.
sorry guys...too much cough syrup and too little sleep.

[teya]

at my store, i'm the one who takes in the recyclables ie) the apple and lemonade containers, the RTD bottles like Happy Planet and Jones cola bottles. if a partner doesn't take them, we wouldn't recycle them. I think that's wrong, therefore I stepped up, but I think the recycling policy should be changed. At my store, we recycle the milk jugs, the papers, all the cardboard, but still, there is a lot of waste.

Are you getting paid to take all these recyclables? Otherwise you're violating "Time worked = Time paid."

[-m]

Yeah, you really shouldn't be doing that if you aren't getting paid for it.
The recycling policy doesn't say that anyone should shlep a bag full of empty milk jugs all over the city. If you don't have a receptical near by, talk to your property manager or your fascilities supervisor.

[teya]

True true. Thanks guys. I never even though about it that way.

[MGR]

Time for some backpay! Seriously though, have your manager call Smurfit (the waste mgmt. consultant) and see if they can pressure your landlord to do something.

On another note, I find it amusing that Europeans (esp. Italians) think "to go" cups are absolutely ridiculous. Let's hear it for the U.S.'s GDP!

[Brian]

"To go" cups ARE ridiculous. That saves more trees that the 10% recycled cups they have now, or the recycling ideas. Starbucks doesn't even ask "for here or to go?", and as far as I can tell, they don't even offer porcelain cups. Yet, all those customers who finish their cup in-store are drinking from paper. Wasteful.

Plus paper cups ruin the taste of espresso drinks, which is why Italians, or anyone wanting good espresso, consider paper silly. Not that someone who frequents Starbucks would know good espresso - that burnt, overpriced stuff is crap compared to the Illy or Lavazza Italians know. But then Starbucks isn't for coffee fans - it's for fat chicks who want caffeine in their slurpees. (Starbucks is the only place I've ever overheard a customer complain "this tastes too coffee-y." Wow.)

Anyway, porcelain is the solution.

[cat]

How Can I Start A Grounds For Garden Program?

[barista c]

Brian, Starbucks does offer porcelain mugs. We even have cute little demitasse cups for espresso. It isn't our fault that most customers prefer wasting paper cups.

Cat, ask your manager. Why are you asking here?

[Jamie]

I am looking for statistics on how many paper cups starbucks uses in a day for a new campaign I am going to launch. Think Germany & Grocery Bags.

If anyone knows pls send data to:
research@lovell.cc

[Sara]

I am waging war on Starbucks this summer and trying to find an organization to back me up. My goal is to see two major changes: (1)an increase in the usage of porcelain cups vs. paper cups and (2) recycle bins at ALL locations as pretty much everything we obtain through Starbucks (cups, napkins, straws, etc.) are recyclable and thus shouldn't be just thrown away, adding to our ever-mounting landfill problem. Any ideas or supporters? Contact me at Inkwellofdreams@aol.com. I'm serious about this and want to find others who are as well.
-Sara

just a thought, but you know who your regulars who sit there are, or if someone walks in with a laptop or a book, it's a good guess that they're staying for a bit. I work at an indy, and when someone orders a cap or an espresso I always ask if they'd like it in ceramic (because it tastes better that way). I ask the regulars or anyone who looks like they're going to be sitting if they'd like it their drink in a mug. if you are proactive, you can increase the "for here" orders.

also, found this comical
"Iced Venti = 24 oz."
because all of the starbucks people I know justify the fake italian names by telling me that venti means 20, so it's ok. so... you're calling a 24 oz drink a "twenty"

little known fact, most commercial paper and plastic cups actually hold 2 oz more than the cup size- i.e. the 12 oz really holds 14 oz, so that you can give the customer 12oz of coffee without having to fill it to the rim and scald yourself. it's true, if you get whip on your drink you will get a little less liquid in your beverage so that the whip doesn't spill over- you are paying for a 12 ounce beverage- 10 of that will be mocha, 2 will be whip. you're not getting shorted.

[Newbiebarista]

We don't recycle at our store because the neighbourhood we are in (super yuppy) does not offer a commercial recycling service. No store in our area recycles because of this.

Whenever someone orders a tea or drip, we always ask if they want it in a mug, but everyone says no, even if they know they'll stay for a while.... it's "just in case" they have to leave unexpectedly.

It is not a ittle known fact for the baristas that a cup holds more than the drink volume, that's why every drink is to be made to 1/4 inch from the top. Unless it comes with whip, then it goes to 1/2 inch from the top. I'm hopeless at stopping in time, and always give people the extra ounce or so. The Biggest problem is when, after pouring the drink, the customer says "oh, actually, I DO want whip on it" so then you have your bloody full drink and you have to put whip on top. By this point, they see the drink, so you can't start scoopping from it.. they freak... And then you finally get the whip to balance on the very top, and they scream at you "how the hell am i supposed to get a lid on this????!?!?!?" Then.. you see them walk with their double cup, with sleeve drink over to a table, where they proceed to drink it without a lid....

[rosalind Richards]

Please starbucks, recycle. You could be a good example and increase your reputation
by doing this. All of those plastic cups, there must be millions of them. Please
consider being responsible.
Thank you

[CindyLou]

Gosh what a great post!!! I would LOVE to start recycling at my store...I can only imagine the amount of garbage that we would cut down on....how would anyone go about getting this started? I know talking to my store manager wont help, should I go straight to my district, or my regional?

Also we have a "grounds for your garden" program, but NONE of the baristas seem to care about it, I thought it was a great Idea when I started working there, but on my first day, my shift told me that we have the program but nobody participates so don't even worry about it... does anyone have any suggestions about getting other baristas excited about this? i could really use some pointers on how to unite the baristas, im new to this particular store and everyone seems so bitter and cynical about their job and about each other...anyone have any good ideas about getting people to work together happily?

[Carlyn Jeanne]

Me and another partner at my small San Diego just decided to start a mission. We want to force starbucks to realize how much waste each store goes through. We have a somewhat plan but its in the working. we want to start a petition. what are your thoughts? lets start a movement kids.

its about damn time.

PLEASE
email me. id appriciate it.
carlyn_jeanne@hotmail.com

[Taylor]

All I can say is that you guys and gals rock! I am not a Starbucks employee (or partner... i love that) and am only reciently coming around to be able to actually discuss the word "Starbucks" without making some immature, critical comments... The truth is, I see how much of an influence and impact Starbucks has and can have...

I am a Green MBA student at the New College of California. I am very interested in keeping abreast with some of you about any actions you want to take, even if it is just more dialogue with your managers. Sometimes, that is all it takes! People really do care, they just don't have the time or knowledge sometimes (most of the time it seems) to make changes that have good and real impacts.

If anyone would like to email me, my address is

magwarrior@ecomail.org

I don't have anything currently in mind, but I'm interested in creative thinking! And again, for all of you who have been writting on this gossip page, you're doing so well just by caring and wanting to make positive changes in your workplace :)

Much love and light, Taylor

[Taylor]

PS Why hasn't anybody made a comment since July 28th??

[Megan]

Thanks for everyone for their comments and any actions taken so far. I'm glad that I found this site right away. I'm recently back from Europe and vowed to tackle two campaigns in the U.S.: 1) Excessive packaging and waste (ie. lack of recycling) at fast food restaurants and Starbucks, 2) creating more effective rideshare website(s) and spreading the word about these

I plan to contact those on this site who left emails and expressed interest in organizing a waste reduction campaign targeting Starbucks. McD's and such are next, but one at a time, please. One sets an example and you shame/boycott the rest.

I'm in Seattle now, but visited the east coast first on my way here. In rural Pennsylvania, the fast food restaurants are all still using styrofoam for hot beverages!!

Megan, mharris921@yahoo.com

I agree with all the comments regarding the need for Starbucks to do a better job recycling.

Here's another wasteful thing I always notice: the way the cold water tap is constantly running to keep water circulating in the device that rinses spoons. I just think of all of those thousands of Starbucks stores around the world, each one with a tap running all the time, and all that water that is being wasted. Isn't there a better solution? If not, how about a policy to reduce the flow to a trickle?

[Lori]

I am very irritated by all the nonrecyclable garbage generated by starbucks specifically their coffee cups. Does anybody know if the cups can be thrown into the yard waste containers? Everybody should try to make a point to take their own travel mugs to Starbucks or any other coffee shop for that matter. Not only will you help the environment but you will get 10 cents off your drink! Also if you plan to stay at the cafe with your drink ask the barista to make your drink in a mug. Save a TREE!

[ilene Perlman]

I live in Boston and just noticed Starbucks placed a full page add in the Boston Globe telling people about the environmental savings of using the energy saver lightbulbs....this add cost $25,000 minimum and not one store in the Boston area recycles their plastic and paper cups..when asked they said it was too expensive to pay the recycling permit for commerical stores...well $25,000 would go a long way with that!

[Bridget]

I don't know about the rest of the Starbucks in the world but the ones in Calgary (the Texas of the North) use "Dixie" lids which are non-recyclable...so woopee shit that they use 10% post recyclable cups! I guess one should be putting pressure on Dixie Cups to get their act together.
How did the Western culture ever survive before take-out lattes were invented?
"Let's save the trees and make everything out of plastic!"......at least the trees do grow back but plastic, even if it's recycled 100 times,it's here to stay,...forever and ever amen!
In the end, no matter how "green" the corporations like to say they are or will be, it all boils down to dollars and cents (or should I say their almighty profits).

[Gillian]

I work at starbucks and it bothers me that they don't have a proper recycling program for the store..our store does its best to recycle in the backroom but its not good enough, is it really that hard to set up recycling in the cafe? I just think as they are promoting this new film about saving the polar bears and what we can do to help stop climate change/global warming...they shouldn't be trashing who even knows how much garbage that could actually be recycled..

[Katy]

First of all. . . All of you ROCK!!!!! It is time for a change. We have a social responsibility to recycle at every Starbucks location. It takes over 1000 years for one of our plastic cups to disinagrate. We need to start petitions at each of our stores, call and write to the big boys above and get them to listen. We can do this and create a change. I started at Starbucks ten months ago and we have a recycling program for only milk jugs and cardboard. That's great, but we still don't recycle the plastic cups as much as I would like. There is only two of us that dig through the trash and pull out all the plastic. We get dirty looks from the other partners when we try to explain how important it is to recycle. Everyday I try to get some change happing. I tell customers to bring back their water bottles so they can be re-filled for free.
I would also love to see a recycling bin set up for customers use as well. I'll be calling and writing letters to each store in St.Louis asking them if they recycle. If they don't I want to know why and the try to get them help. Starbucks Misson statement says. " Develop innovative and flexible solutions to bring about change" as well as " Instilling environmental responsibility as a corporate value". Come on Starbucks, you can do it! As one of the biggest chains out there, you have a responsibility to you consumers and to the world that has given you so much. Give us t-shirts made from recycled material stating that we care for our mother earth. She needs our help. We demand a change. Peace
Please email me with your thoughts or ideas to katala77@yahoo.com. Thank you and good luck.

[Marian]

I am not a Starbucks partner, but it bothers me that they don’t' recycle more. In the summer, so many plastic cups from the iced drinks get tossed in the trash. The cups are all #1 PETE, so they are easily recyclable by everyone.
I've written to Starbucks Customer Service, but usually I only get a polite reply with some excuse as to why a nationwide recycling program does not exist.

[Eleanor]

I am writing a persuasive letter for school about convincing Starbucks to reduce the amount of food and beverage packaging waste by recycling and promoting usage of ceramic/"for here" mugs. I'm hoping to eventually send my letter to them.

I am currently searching for the statistics regarding how many Starbucks cups and bottles are thrown away as trash each day/week/month/year.

It would be great if you could reply at eleanorylin@gmail.com. Thanks!

[Trofeo90]

When I go into a starbucks (as I do everday)if they ask if I want my drink in a for here cup I get offended. We as consumers support the jobs of others. If we do not take the cup it puts strain on the people who work at pulp mills manufacture/transport/distribute etc. its their job to provide the cups.

Then more jobs are down the line after the cup visits starbucks for trash haulers/facility operators/equipment operators etc.

I do agree it would be better to recycle the cups because recycling creates more jobs than trash hauling but using just a for here cup is wrong. That means if business for paper cups slows then the workers can't put food on the table.

So if you get a for here cup you are really being selfish and/or misguided. Then you can think of the pulp mill worker not finding work.

Oh and by the way there are more trees today than there ever used to be.