VI
EN
In support of the "zero waste" movement, since 2010, many Starbucks stores have offered discounts to customers who bring their own cups or bottles to purchase drinks. Through this campaign, Starbucks aims to raise customer awareness about environmental protection and reduce paper waste. Thanks to this program, the world's paper waste is reduced by hundreds of tons each year.
However, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic worldwide, and particularly in the Americas, Starbucks stores in North America have had to temporarily suspend this program. According to Starbucks, when customers bring their own reusable cups, staff often ask them to remove the lids before pouring their drinks, which increases the risk of viruses from their mouths transferring to the cup and lid. The coronavirus can also remain on surfaces for up to nine days. All drinks will now be served in disposable cups in the US and Canada.
Rossann Williams, president of Starbucks' U.S.-based businesses in Canada, said stores will continue to offer a 10-cent discount to anyone who brings their own cup or bottle, but will no longer fill them with drinks for customers. "We are optimistic and believe this is only a temporary situation," Williams wrote in a letter posted on the company's website.
Starbucks said it would increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing at all its operated stores and suspend business-related air travel both domestically and internationally until the end of March. Large meetings at the company's offices in the United States and Canada have been postponed or canceled.
"We will work transparently and act courageously and responsibly to ensure the health and well-being of all our partners and customers," Williams added.
Due to the evolving pandemic situation, Starbucks has not yet decided when it will temporarily suspend its program encouraging customers to bring their own cups or bottles.
