Old arguments about paper and plastic cups

Every so often I awake to think about the rise of popular social trends and their environmental consequences. Just as many others may have observed, I have become acutely aware of the ubiquity of Starbucks coffee shops and coffehouses, in general. I have never purchased anything from Starbucks but have often entered several stores with friends or to look around. As a business major, I can't help but be curious about a successful business model.


"Starbucks first revolutionized the coffeehouse industry by marketing expensive, high-quality coffee as well as a "third place" between work and home - a warm, clean, and inviting environment where customers can go to escape from the chaos of daily life." [1]


From that description above, I understand why Starbucks has very little impact or influence on my life. As a general rule, I do not drink coffee due to health concerns. I tried not to drink coffee for several reasons, for example, it raises blood pressure, caffeine is a diuretic, and coffee stains one's teeth. But looking at journal articles, coffee and caffeine are rendered largely harmless, if taken in moderation (if an average consumer can reasonably determine the meaning of moderation).

"[F]or the healthy adult population, moderate daily caffeine intake at a dose level up to 400 mg day(-1) (equivalent to 6 mg kg(-1) body weight day(-1) in a 65-kg person) is not associated with adverse effects such as general toxicity, cardiovascular effects, effects on bone status and calcium balance (with consumption of adequate calcium), changes in adult behaviour, increased incidence of cancer and effects on male fertility. The data also show that reproductive-aged women and children are 'at risk' subgroups who may require specific advice on moderating their caffeine intake. Based on available evidence, it is suggested that reproductive-aged women should consume <=300 home main

I can't help but admire Starbucks with such broad appeal to many segments of the American population as well as the ability to compete and dominate in foreign markets. However, that's that a lot of cups and waste generated. I'm mostly thinking about the waste stream of paper coffee cups and plastic tops for hot drinks and clear plastic cups for cold drinks. I do not believe these are being recycled at all. I am not even sure if these cups can be recycled. I try to think of the usual fate of these cups as they leave the store. I imagine that most people dispose of them in regular trash receptacles that go to the landfill. The paper is biodegradable but I wonder about the plastic tops (for hot drinks) and the clear plastic cups (for cold drinks). I'd like to see a piece about this created by Chris Jordan (see previous blog entry). But I think that could be construed as commentary on a specific company rather than a culture.

Sort of like candy wrappers, coffee cups are mundane everyday items that accumulate into large amounts of waste. The only alternative I have seen is the marketing of mugs and cups that could then be used in the purchase of future beverages. Perhaps, akin to plastic bags at the supermarket, reusable containers is the most environmentally conscious choice. But that would force a change in consumer behavior. The convenience of disposal containers and not having to lug around a clean, appropriately-sized cup makes me think that disposable cups, paper, plastic, or in combination, will continue to be used.

But product packaging is essential to building a brand name.

[1] "Starbucks," http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Starbucks_(SBUX)
[2] Nawrot P, Jordan S, Eastwood J, Rotstein J, Hugenholtz A, Feeley M. "Effects of caffeine on human health." Food Addit Contam. 2003 Jan;20(1):1-30.
[3] "Starbucks."