Starbucks, Hypocritical? Part 2
| April 9, 2011 | Posted by Lisa Sharp under Waste |
Several months ago I wrote about going to Starbucks and trying to use my reusable mug. Even though I had a mug the barista still made my hot drink in a plastic cup, which he then threw away. Well I decided to try again at a different Starbucks because I really wanted a cold drink and since I had my mug I thought it could be waste free.
I was wrong. Thankfully I was watching as they started to make my drink. The barista reached for a plastic cup and I stopped her and said “I brought a mug, are you still going to use a plastic cup?” She said “yes, I have to use it to measure.” I told her I didn’t want it if she was going to use plastic. She looked at my puzzled and handed me my mug. I asked why they were now doing that since I was getting a Frappuccino, which they make in a blender anyway. She said they switched the recipe and have to use the cup to measure the dairy.
This leads one to ask how Starbucks can still promote the fact that they give a discount for bring your own mug and you can request your drink be made in a mug if staying in store. On their website they say-
“Reducing the environmental impact of our cups depends on the success of two interrelated efforts: developing recyclable cup solutions and dramatically increasing our customers’ use of reusable cups. A lot of our customers are also working to reduce their own environmental impact even as we are. To help them help us, we offer a 10-cent discount in the U.S. and Canada to encourage customers to use their own reusable mugs or tumblers for their beverages. Customers staying in a store can also request that their beverages be served in a ceramic mug. Every paper cup saved helps keep our forests intact. (Learn more about deforestation from our friends at Conservation International.)”- Starbucks.com
I do not plan to be back unless this problem is fixed. Do you think Starbucks is wrong for marketing that you can bring your own mug and safe a cup when they still use a disposable cup for your drink?
What?! I love my grande decaf 4 pump hazelnut, but this doesn't make any sense at all. Sounds like pure laziness to me. Use of a basic glass measuring cup is common sense, and should be standard everywhere. The use of one in a company that is spouting off about green initiatives is a no-brainer.
Somebody in the higher levels of that company needs to wake up.
When I get my iced tea made at Starbucks, they measure into a plastic cup, but it's a rigid plastic cup that they reuse, and then they pour it into the reusable cup that I bring with me. I don't see why they can't do that when measuring other beverages.
By using the cup it's supposed to be faster, but I don't see why they can't purchase a glass cup, or measuring cups to use when someone brings in their own mug. I used to work for Starbucks in 1996, and we would just designate one cup to measure with for the day. I actually remember a customer getting upset about it so the argument is nothing new…you think they would have fixed it by now.
I am a frequent visitor to StarBucks and I always bring my personal cup. I have only had the "use one of their cups and pour it into my cup" happen once. I was upset about it and demanded to speak to the manager right away. She told me the girl was new and that is why it happens. Every other time they wait for my cup and mix it into it. I think that it is StarBucks desire but they cannot control every action of every employee. I think it is up to the store manager to enforce the rules. It is great that you bring this to everyone's attention so that they can watch out for it and ensure the drink is made right in the reusable cup!
P.S. I like Mel's suggestion of using a glass measuring cup!
Lena: Do you get fraps? That was why it happened this time. The lady said they changed the recipe and have to use a cup to measure now. Waiting for a reply from Starbucks to know if this is true.
I don't. I get Mocha's. I can't wait to hear what they say though. I think they have a long way to go to be truly green.
I have never had a frappuccino, but I have never had a problem at my local Starbucks getting them to use my reusable mug and not using a disposable cup. I have seen them measure into a reusable plastic cup as well, but they also serve people staying in store in real dishes too. Maybe that is the difference?
Eventually the store in question will buy a blender with the new markings, and until then they have to measure with something. I agree that rinsing/reusing the measuring cup should be the way to go, you should talk to the manager. My hub worked for starbucks for the past 5 years and I have a big problem with the lack of recycling effort at the starbucks he worked at, and at all others I've seen in my area. While they tout their recycled cups and their being so green, they use tons of plastic behind the counter that goes directly into the garbage. loads of gallon size plastic milk bottles get tossed into the trash every day, along with other types of plastic waste, and there is no effort to recycle either in front of or behind the counter.
If you are going to tout that you are socially responsible and eco-friendly then this needs to be a priority and reflected in their training policies.
I have gotten a couple of replies from Starbucks but non have really answered my questions so waiting for another. I will post their response when I have one. The last one did say they will be checking with the stores I have had issues with.