Starbucks may be known for its global iconic status and for being a favorite study spot for many college students, but one thing that not everyone knows about Starbucks is their impressive commitment to purchasing socially and environmentally sustainable coffee.  Starbucks prides itself on its responsible practices and has strict requirements for its coffee.  The coffee must adhere to a set of principles established by Starbucks called Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices, cleverly represented by the acronym C.A.F.E.  These principles guide Starbucks in purchasing only the most environmentally, economically and socially sustainable coffee while still maintaining a high level of quality.

Starbucks began purchasing Fair Trade Certified coffee in 2000 and is now the largest purchaser of Fair Trade Certified coffee in the world.   Also, Starbucks purchases organic coffee (environmentally-friendly coffee grown with less harmful toxic chemicals and fertilizers).  In 2009, the company bought 14 million pounds of organic coffee.  Starbucks goes even further than that–the company works with farmers from all over the world to ensure both responsibly grown coffee and economic benefits to the communities in which the coffee is grown.  Through the establishment of programs such as Farmer Loans and Farmer Support Centers, Starbucks has taken a leading role in the social and economic sustainability of these farms.

A LEED certified Starbucks

Along with their dedication to farmers, Starbucks is also actively taking measures to reduce its carbon footprint.   One of Starbucks’ main concerns is increasing the amount of recycling the company does.  By 2015, Starbucks hopes to have recycling stations in every store; currently, there are many challenges to this, but Starbucks has high hopes that they can achieve their goal.  Another important commitment to the environment is reducing energy usage and increasing efficiency.  Starbucks is actively working on many different energy-saving initiatives, such as purchasing renewable energy and also improving their heating and cooling systems.  The issue of reducing water usage is also on Starbucks’ agenda.  This is being achieved in many ways, including increasing the efficiency of their appliances and machines that use water.  Lastly, all new Starbucks are being built under LEED certifications, meaning that they will be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Starbucks’ level of commitment to ethical, sustainable coffee practices are clearly impressive.  Few companies have managed to achieve such high levels of sustainable practices and initiatives, but hopefully many will begin to follow in Starbucks’ sustainable footsteps.

–Elizabeth Timoszyk