Starbucks Shared Planet

re: Starbucks Shared Planet

Liz d — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:54:16 GMT

I commend Starbucks for making the commitment to environmental sustainability! I would like to remind you, however, that recycling is not going to be the ultimate answer to environmental sustainability. Rather, we need to look at reducing our carbon footprint by trying to reduce the use of disposable items. Even though the cup is made from recycled products and is recyclable itself, does not mean that people are going to recycle it. I would challenge Starbucks then to expand the goals of sustainability by attempting to reduce the number of cups and other disposable products given out to customers. I understand you cannot force habits on customers, but you can surely create incentives. Highly discounted coffee for bringing in your own cup is one idea! (I'm not talking 10 cents which is what I think it is now, but even up to 40 cents!). I have been able to get a cup of quality drip coffee for $1 or less at some places just for bringing in my own cup and I feel that Starbucks could greatly benefit from an idea like that. Again, I think it's great you are committing yourselves to environmental sustainability, but I challenge you to expand your vision of those goals!

re: Starbucks Shared Planet

Suite2100 — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:12:32 GMT

My advice is focus focus focus on the cup. Every day millions hold it in their hand and if it says made from recycled materials and able to be recycled itself - all those people will see it. It is the badge/emblem of your brand that people touch and carry. When you see a stuffed trash can in the store full of cups and debris from people mixing their drinks you immediately wonder "couldn't that be done with less waste"? Your other goals (store energy use reduction etc) are appropriate and i think well intentioned. But for your image and public perception no question you need to focus on the cups. Don't get distracted by all the other good "green" ideas. Put your $ behind the cup solution and branding/communicating it on the cup itself. Think of the cup as your best marketing tool to your existing customer base. Better than email, TV, print or any other vehicle. Everyone has to see it when they bring it too their mouth!

re: Starbucks Shared Planet

InezGetzer — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:35:18 GMT

VG idea

re: Starbucks Shared Planet

Since92 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:18:02 GMT

I posted an idea to help spread the Shared Planet word and to get customers more involved. It's located at: mystarbucksidea.force.com/ideaView

In a nutshell, the idea is to create an aspirational personal cup that is unique in appearance and offers a special discount above the normal personal cup discount. The personal cup would not be available for purchase, instead it would need to be "earned" somehow.

re: Starbucks Shared Planet

UrbanVoy — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:31:21 GMT

sbx_Matt said:

"I think you'll find the "sharp differences" become much less so over the coming months."

I think could be right - I hope so. I'm encouraged that Starbucks has worked out a cooperative and mutually beneficial understanding with TransFair and FLO.

To me, it shows Starbucks is willing to be part of the international ethical agriculture community and not go it alone - even if it means not getting everything Starbucks wants. It's a good sign.

re: Starbucks Shared Planet

mguiste — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:38:39 GMT

Thanks for the note, UrbanVoy. Been a hectic week and you found it before I could tell you about it! Yes, as a company we are very serious about this topic and I think you'll find the "sharp differences" become much less so over the coming months. :)

re: Starbucks Shared Planet

UrbanVoy — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:35:18 GMT

I just read the press release on Fair Trade coffee and I'm stunned.

www.starbucks.com/.../pressdesc.asp

In one move Starbucks will *double* its purchasing of Fair Trade coffee in 2009. One year, twice as much! That's what I and many others have been asking for.

And they will explore integrating C.A.F.E. and Fair Trade certifications. The other thing I've been asking for.

That's the best news I've heard on this subject since I've been on this site.

Now, I am beginning to believe that Starbucks is truly committed to ethical coffee sourcing and not just window dressing.

Yes, much remains to be done and a letter of intent is a long way from results, but this is an important step in the right direction.

Well done Starbucks!