Starbucks Going Green, But is it Enough?

Supporting Starbucks has always been something that weighed on my mind. I admit I drink their coffee, I like it. I drink their cheapest drink mind you, iced coffee. I totally understand how insane it is to spend $5 bucks on a latte, but you know what, that's pretty much anywhere today. So the question remains, is supporting your local Starbucks a bad thing?

I often feel like it is, but at the same time I get annoyed that I feel that way. I would love to support my local cafes, but once summer ends they all stop making iced coffee, forcing me to pay extra for a hot version "over ice" which let me tell you, never tastes the like real thing (as the ice melts immediately and causes you to have a nice watered down morning cuppa joe, ew, no thanks). That being said, I drink iced coffee EVERY DAY, doesn't matter how cold it is out, that's what gloves are for in my opinion!

While Starbucks is a large company and the neighborhood cafe is who I really should be supporting I just can't justify ordering a coffee I don't want just to support. Don't get my wrong, I don't eat at Starbucks, I eat at my local cafes, but for my morning coffee, I get what I want, and I shouldn't feel bad about it.

I just read an article about Starbuck's attempts to green their outposts, it was interesting and great to see they care, but the question remains, is it enough to turn those non-believers. Are they just greenwashing us?

Starbucks plans to boost the sense of local community into specific locations, working in reclaimed wood, repurposed decor and local touches to their shops. In addition they are seeking LEED certification for all of their company-owned stores beginning next year. Check out the article for more information here!

In addition they serve and sell shade grown fair trade coffee, promote reusable cups and provide organic soy milk. But of course at the same time they still have single use sugars and single packaged straws, so the battle continues.

What do you think about all of this?

(Image:wwff.files.wordpress.com)

On To Bigger & Greener Things

The hunt for ethically responsible companies is something we should all be on the quest for. As I come across companies that have made "the switch" to greener pastures (or a greener worth ethic) I will share them here.

Cadbury Schwepps (Brands include Green & Blacks Chocolate, Snapple and Halls cough drops, Dr.Pepper and of course those delicious Cadbury eggs) recently came out saying they plan on reducing their gas emissions by 750,000 each year by powering its plants with cleaner energy sources (like natural gas for example). In addition, the company will swap out their current packaging to 100 recyclable or biodegradable packaging by 2010.

Lots of companies are getting into the news with statements like this, some of which are considered greenwashing (see my article on greenwashing by searching within Urban Branches for greenwashing), so it's important to stay vigilant while supporting these initiatives.

I love Green & Blacks Chocolate, it's organic and now a bit greener!
(Images: www.cadbury.com)

Don't get GreenWashed!

Beware of GreenWashing!
I was at lunch today discussing “green companies” and the topic of greenwashing came up. I thought it most important to bring this to Urban Branches for you all. How I define green washing:

GreenWashing: When a company claims they are doing something eco-friendly or green when they are really only doing it to gain profit or a better public image. While they may be making a lesser impact on the environment than before it doesn’t excuse the overall impact a company has on the world around them.
To me it’s the same as brushing your teeth with organic toothpaste but leaving the water on running at full blast while doing it. I mean come on, what is the priority, self love because you’re choosing something organic or environmental impact of your choices?

Please beware of companies who say they are “going green” or are being more “natural.” Really investigate their message and /or ingredients and practices. For example, there are companies that use a single natural ingredient such as an essential oil in their product and call the product the natural choice, while the rest of their ingredients are all chemicals that are horrible for both you and the environment. It is disgusting to me that companies are hanging onto the eco-friendly bandwagon by a thread catching the fame and glory and not to mention reaping the profits. I promise I will be adding specific product details to this topic and will continue to investigate it myself. I just wanted to get this out there while I am still riled up about it! Please let me know your thoughts and if you have product/brand specifics, let me know. When you do find a company whose commitment to nature and their consumers truly exemplifies the green message, embrace them and support them whole heartedly!
(Image: www.flickr.com/photos/velo_city/221532423/)