Starbucks ability to recycle varies based on the level of commercial and residential recycling services offered in our store communities. We are committed to making 100% of our cups reusable or recyclable by 2015. In the meantime, there are two ways you can help to reduce the environmental impact of our cups: ask for your beverage in ceramic "for here" or use a commuter mug "to go."
We've always believed in caring for the environment.
We share our customers' commitment to the environment. And we believe in the importance of caring for our planet and encouraging others to do the same. As a company that relies on an agricultural product, it makes good business sense. And as people living in the world, it is simply the right thing to do.
Toward 100% reusable or recyclable cups.
Our disposable cups have a visible impact on our overall environmental footprint, and our customers expect better from us. By 2015, our goal is for 100 percent of our cups to be reusable or recyclable. We're working hard every day on ways to make that goal a reality.
Toward 100% recycling in our stores.
Our customers care about recycling too. In fact, we get more customer comments about recycling than any other environmental issue. We know we need to improve in this area. And by 2015 we aim to have recycling available in 100 percent of our stores where we control the waste.
Taking on climate change.
When research indicates that coffee-growing regions will be impacted directly by climate change, it's something we take seriously. So we're aggressively pursuing a climate change strategy, including finding ways to minimize our use of energy, water and other resources. We're upgrading existing stores and building new stores to use 25 percent less energy. And we plan to incorporate recycled and renewable materials when it's time to remodel them.
We're also more than doubling our green energy purchases. All new company-owned stores will be certified green by the end of 2010. And our work with Conservation International addresses climate change by protecting the tropical forests that surround coffee farms.
It takes all of us.
Achieving our environmental goals means collaborating and engaging with our partners (employees) and customers. Our partners are the keepers of our stores. And while we have policies and programs in place to encourage environmentally responsible behaviors, at the end of the day, they are the ones who turn off the lights and turn down the thermostat.
Our customers play a role too. For several years we've encouraged customers to use their own reusable mugs. It's a great way to conserve resources and reduce waste. And our customers can help us cut down on the number of paper and plastic cups we use by simply ordering their beverages "for here" when they plan to stay in.
