Global coffee purveyor Starbucks has started a new series of policies in an effort to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste. The new “For Here” policy includes reusable cups rather than disposable. Also, in efforts to increase seating, only customers and partners will be allowed to sit in Starbucks.
High school students may be unhappy with these changes as they are losing their hangout spots to do homework or sit and talk to friends. Every year more and more businesses require people to buy something if they want to sit in the establishment so students struggle to find comfortable environments in which to work. “Establishments are requiring so much now that I barely have anywhere to go without getting something. I do not like the new rule of you can only sit in Starbucks if you buy something as I like to do my homework there in a clean environment and get something when I want too,” sophomore Neeki Naderi said.
Starbucks brought back the condiment bars that had been removed during the pandemic. People can now adjust their drinks to their likings with milk, sugar and creamer. The introduction of “For Here” cups is part of Starbucks plan to limit plastic waste and foster a more sustainable business model. “The Starbucks policy has some pros as people who are staying at Starbucks to chat and maybe finish homework can use glass cups to eliminate the use of plastic at Starbucks. It was smart for Starbucks to do that so it can help the environment and prompt less waste,” sophomore Lily Zaiderman said.
Starbucks is also continuing its policy to encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups. Customers who bring their own cup receive a discount on their drinks. “Starbucks is expensive when you get it a lot so bringing my own cup is fun and even cheaper. I understand the thought of eliminating the plastic but also the Starbucks cups make it a lot easier and it’s more of an actual Starbucks drink,” Naderi said.
During your same visit to Starbucks, regardless of the first beverage you ordered, you will also be able to enjoy free refills of hot or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea, following your initial purchase. “I think it is smart to have cups here so it allows people to spend more time with friends. Starbucks gets more business because people will be sitting and finishing their drink, which could cause them to want to get a refill and more food. Refill options will make more people want to go and bring in more business,” sophomore Noa Lucas said.
Starbucks only allowing customers to sit is limiting peoples places to work or study. People are limited already to where they can relax and work so people are not happy with how the shop wants to kick people out. “The fact that they are not allowing people to sit in Starbucks without buying anything, which I understand, but it would cause less business since many people might not want Starbucks as soon as they get there but maybe work for a bit then get something,” Lucas said.
