Starbucks’ traditional green straws and logo are not the only green aspects of its franchise and mission. The company’s new environmentally-sustainable enhancements impress coffee-drinkers at Convent of the Sacred Heart.
Starbucks recently announced its plans to become a more environmentally friendly company by reducing electricity, increasing recycling, and condensing paper usage.
Since environmental conservation is important to the Sacred Heart community, students and teachers support Starbucks’ transition.
“I am very excited to participate in such a global economic change. Starbucks is embodying all the environmental qualities that are admirable and important to me,” sophomore Shannon Pyne said.
Starbucks set a goal to reduce the electricity used in their stores by 25 percent by 2015 according to starbucks.com. The company is currently looking for more sustainable energy sources and seeks to invest in renewable energy companies.
Other efforts to become more globally responsible include reducing, reusing, and recycling old materials.
According to starbucks.com, 39 percent of Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada encouraged recycling through signs, pamphlets and last year. Additionally, 71 percent of the company’s stores continue to compost or recycle Starbucks cups.
Starbucks also recently introduced their Earth Sleeve, an easily recyclable sleeve composed of a greater raw-material-to-paper ratio, in worldwide locations. According to starbucks.com, the Earth Sleeve has the potential to save over 100,000 trees a year.
“I go to Starbucks almost every day and I always feel like I throw away so many cups, I am so happy to hear that they are trying to improve the environment,” senior Jordan Cohen said.
Ms. Breamond Scala, Middle School Science Teacher and leader of the seventh grade recycling program, understands the importance of encouraging recycling at major companies.
“I am so happy that corporations, such as Starbucks, are making a real effort to be more eco-friendly by creating these company wide initiatives,” Ms. Scala said. “By providing the bins and a small amount of education on what is actually recyclable, they are not only providing the convenience, but also giving consumers the confidence of knowing which wastes are recyclable.”
The recycling club is responsible for emptying and handling Sacred Heart’s paper and plastic products. Their goals include educating and encouraging recycling within the community.
“We are also creating posters to help the students, teachers and visitors know what can be recycled. With these efforts, we are certain we will also see an increase in recycled material right here at CSH,” Ms. Scala said.
– Maddie Caponiti, Co-Arts and Entertainment Editor