For aficionados of Starbucks who cringe at the thought of single-use cups, a positive change is brewing. As of Wednesday, Starbucks is facilitating a more sustainable coffee experience by allowing customers to bring their own cups and mugs to company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as participating licensed stores.
For those placing mobile orders, the process is streamlined: by clicking “customize” and selecting the “personal cup” option, patrons can now enjoy their favorite brew while adhering to their New Year’s resolution to reduce waste. To ensure hygiene and safety, Starbucks assures customers that baristas will collect personal cups using a contactless vessel.
However, there are a few considerations outlined by Jordan Valinsky. Customers are urged to clean their personal cups before ordering, as Starbucks won’t provide this service. Additionally, personal cups must not exceed 40 ounces, and their use is restricted if the order is made through a third-party app.
Starbucks is not only encouraging the use of reusable cups for environmental reasons but also sweetening the deal for customers making the eco-friendly choice. Those opting for a reusable cup will enjoy a 10-cent discount, and Starbucks Rewards members stand to gain an extra 25 bonus stars with each use.
The company emphasizes that this initiative is part of a broader cultural movement it is spearheading, steering away from single-use plastics and making it more convenient for customers to integrate their personal cups into their coffee routines. Starbucks has committed to a significant environmental goal, aiming to reduce waste by 50% by the year 2030. This move aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability, signaling a positive step forward in the global effort to curb single-use plastic consumption.
