The coffee chain aims, by 2030 to reduce its carbon emissions, water withdrawal and waste sent to landfill by 50%.
Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks publicly acknowledged that vegan milk is “a big part of the solution” in reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
The chain announced that they aim to push customers to choose dairy alternatives in order to cut its carbon footprint and tackle the climate crisis.
Cow’s milk is the biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions for Starbucks, yet they continue to charge more for alternatives such as Soy, Coconut, Almond and Oat milk.
According to reports, Starbucks plan to lower the cost of these milk alternatives this year, making them the standard in an attempt to ‘ditch the dairy’.
However, PETA believe this is not enough. In order to actively fight the climate crisis, the company needs to ‘nix the upcharge entirely’.
UK competitors, Costa Coffee and Pret a Manger already offer these dairy-free options for free, due to a recent increase in demand. Research last year by Mintel, shows that nearly 25% of people in Britain have now switched to drinking plant-based alternative milk.
Courtesy of the Times – Starbuck’s CEO Kevin Johnson
Johnson identified five steps in which he plans to implement in an attempt to make the chain ‘resource positive’:
- Offer more plant-based options for a more environmentally friendly menu
- Shifting from single-use to reusable packaging
- Investing in regenerative agriculture
- Investing in better waste management
- Developing eco-friendly stores
Johnson appreciates that “this journey will be challenging” and the company “require others to join us”.
How can I as a student help?
- When ordering food, say no to plastic utensils! Always carry compact reusable knives and forks in the pocket of your bag.
- Bring a reusable cup with you when you next go to Starbucks. Not only are you saving the planet one step at a time, but you will also get a discount off of your coffee!
- Try to avoid bottled water, tap water is just as good, and you are saving money!
- Swap your plastic straws for paper/reusable ones!
By Emily Braeger
Feature image courtesy of unsplash