Many ideas on MSI are about recycling and Starbucks environmental footprint. Recycling bins in all our stores is a top idea that we are working towards, but it is going to take some time. In the meantime, we would like to highlight the progress we’ve made towards our overall environmental stewardship initiatives. Tazo, Starbucks tea blending and packaging plant in Portland, Oregon, is doing good things for the environment.
First of all, Tazo purchases renewable energy RECS from wind power, equivalent to 100% of the electricity used at the Portland plant. There is also a robust recycling program in place – Tazo participates in the Portland Recycle at Work program, and has won a Recycle Works award for their efforts. Tazo has a Corporate Social Responsibility committee to manage this program with great participation from partners (employees) at the plant. Recycling is a high priority for partners along with composting lunchroom food waste and any spilled tea and spice from the plant. Cardboard and plastic from the plant are collected and recycled as well. Tazo also worked with their packaging supplier to develop a tea carton made with over 50% post-consumer fiber and eliminated the cellophane over-wrap, further reducing their packaging footprint.
Dealing with waste inside the Tazo plant is not enough for the partners; they also shut the plant down for two hours, twice a year, to pick up trash and clean up the neighborhood. Tazo actively participates in local food and blood drives to help give back to the Portland community. Nearly 30% of partners participate in the transportation alternatives program, commuting to work via bike, bus, carpool or walking rather than driving.
We look forward to sharing another progress report in the near future.
To read more about Starbucks environmental stewardship efforts visit www.starbucks.com/sharedplanet.