If you follow Alicia Silverstone on social media then you already know that she cares deeply about the environment. One company, though, that she doesn't think shares her passion about it is Starbucks.
Alicia hopped on Twitter to give a few suggestions to the global coffee chain, starting with calling out its use of disposable cups.
Depressing! Just brought my reusable mug to @Starbucks &saw staff use a disposable cup, pour it into my mug, then toss the disposable cup. Totally defeats the purpose of trying 2 reduce waste. Then I looked around to see so many people sitting @ the cafe all w disposables! Ugh.
Many people echoed her feelings about Starbucks' overuse of disposable cups, adding their own observations of it.
@AliciaSilv @Starbucks I think that everytime I order SBUX drive thru! I tell them I have a reusable cup! Then at the window, see them use a disposable cup anyway to make my drink 🤷🏽♀️
Some pointed out their local knowledge of health codes — and how allowing customers to use reusable cups wouldn't be considered a violation.
@AliciaSilv @Starbucks My @Starbucks does the same thing. They claim it's an NYC health code policy but none of my other local coffee houses do it. Shows how symbolic and empty these corporate green initiatives often are.
While others offered deeper insights.
@AliciaSilv @Starbucks I would never do this. I own a coffee shop in Seattle. Health code says it’s fine to mix straight into a customers cup, but the spoons to stir must be washed and sanitized after use. Easy. I cringe when someone orders a double cup. I double cringe to hear this story.
Alicia didn't just call out Starbucks' need to improve its system for handling reusable cups, though — she also questioned why milk alternatives are more expensive.
Also!I'm always frustrated by extra charges for non-dairy milk. Y should we be penalized 4 making the eco-choice? It would be amazing for @Starbucks to lead the way &consider enviro externalities associated w the dairy industry by having dairy cost + or at least = plantmilk fees.
Despite the obvious differences in production costs, it honestly would be ideal to live in a world where nondairy milks didn't cost extra.
On the topic of milk, she had one more suggestion for Starbucks:
. @starbucks one more thing - can you please get unsweetened oat milk at all your locations? ❤️🙏
If Starbucks is looking to overhaul its green initiatives, well, it now knows exactly who it can hire as a consultant.
UPDATE: A Starbucks spokesperson has provided the following statement to BuzzFeed:
Starbucks baristas are encouraged to craft beverages directly in customers’ reusable cups whenever possible. Building on our long standing commitment to sustainability and an elevated customer experience, we will take this opportunity to review guidance to our partners about personal cup use as we continue to be mindful of waste.
Regarding alternative milks, adding a splash of any alternative milk to brewed or iced coffee, cold brew or an Americano is always offered free of charge. The price of our beverages is based on a standard recipe, so any customizations that are not part of the standard recipe, which could include added flavors, alternative milk, or an additional shot of espresso, will incur a small surcharge.