How to Go Green at Starbucks
Be More Environmentally Friendly at Coffee Shops and Cafes
Nov 14, 2008
Starbucks, Peets, Tim Horton's, Second Cup--all coffee shop patrons can be a little more green by following these suggestions.
Adding cream and sugar
Good Canadians know a Double Double is doctored by the young girl who is pouring coffee from the pot. Take notice that a spoon will never see the light of day behind the counter, and the cream and sugar is added before the coffee.
At shops like Starbucks, patrons are expected to add their own cream, sugar and sprinkles after their latte is steamed.
Next time, ask for the Venti cup before the barrista starts to concoct, and add milk, sugar or honey first. Then give it back to the staff to add your order. Not only will a wooden stir stick live to see another day, there will be the perfect amount of the beverage of choice in the cup because there will be no question as to how much room to leave for milk.
Use a rag for spills
A patron didn’t take the advice above, and the barrista didn’t leave room for cream. Now there’s a mess on the milk bar. Ask for a rag instead of using a wad of serviettes.
Skip the cardboard collar
Ever seen anyone at Starbucks in a rush? Didn’t think so. Patrons sitting in the restaurant don’t need the collar because holding on to the cup the whole time is not the norm.
If it’s winter, a nice hot cup of coffee warms the hands, so don’t put that cardboard collar between hands and the cup. This is especially helpful to keep mitts and gloves toasty warm.
A lid? Really?
Lids on coffee cups while sitting in a café is the equivalent of sippy cups for adults. Unless coffee is served at home with a lid, don’t use one while sitting in the shop.
Share With Everyone
After reading the newspaper, leave it behind for someone else to read. At the very least, don’t throw it in the garbage—take it home to recycle.
Recyle
Not many chain coffee shops have recycling containers, but maybe it’s time they did. Work with local management to establish a recycling bin for newspapers, empty cups, (no lids!), serviettes and napkins, and wooden stir sticks.
Turn off the light in the washroom
‘Nuff said.
For a bonus tip, spread the used coffee grounds many coffee shops offer free to its patrons on flower beds and vegetable patches. It’s one of nature’s fertilizers. If the corner shop doesn't offer use grounds, ask for them. They're probably just being thrown out.
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