Coffee cups: Starbucks and Tim Hortons Recycling Ends Up in Garbage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y39-IZEuNDA Recycling can be frustrating. Coffee cups have plastic liners in them, making them not recyclable. Further, when raw materials are cheaper, recycling isn't the preferred option.  The key with the coffee issue is simply to never get a coffee cup- don't expect your cup to get recycled- empty or not, in a special bin or not. Another factor- employees may not be trained on what goes where.  Or it could be the opposite- they're specifically trained that the coffee cups get trashed. Why would this be?  They're considered a contaminant by the waste hauler, and there's often fees associated with contaminating recycling loads. Coffee shops need to further incentivize bringing your own mug... only way I can think of is to increase the discount off your coffee to the…

Continue ReadingCoffee cups: Starbucks and Tim Hortons Recycling Ends Up in Garbage

Hidden Costs Series: Starbucks (video)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ppkVx0fRPY This is one part of a video series called “Hidden Costs”, which focuses on one particular thing and gives it a grade based on categories like Environment, Health and Economy. While I really like this video (and a few others in the series), I disagree with a few things.  First, Starbucks does not deserve a B in the Environment category.  According to this video, their products are 10% recyclable.  All they need to do is implement composting programs at their stores, both for the employees and the customers.  The majority of waste at a coffee shop is compostable. Time for a quick local blasting:  Philadelphia has several composting services available that are very affordable, yet the majority of our coffee shops don’t utilize them.  Hell, there’s even services provided…

Continue ReadingHidden Costs Series: Starbucks (video)