Drink-up and feel good about it

       Starbucks' Thai stores on Saturday officially began serving the chain's 100-per-cent responsibly grown, ethically traded espresso coffee.As part of Starbucks' "Shared Planet" scheme - the company's global commitment to doing business responsibly - the espresso is purchased from farmers and suppliers who follow the company's exacting sourcing standards and guidelines for social, economic and environmental responsibility developed in partnership with the environmental non-profit organisation Conservation International. Murray Darling, managing director of Starbucks Coffee Thailand, said that since its founding, Starbucks has worked to positively impact the lives of farmers and their communities. The responsibly grown espresso is an example of the chain's commitment to doing business the right way, he said.
"It is our assurance to customers that they are making a difference every time they enjoy their favourite espresso-based drink in their local Starbucks," he said.
       Starbucks has set itself the goal of purchasing all of its coffee from sources that meet the "responsibly grown and ethically traded" standard by 2015. Last year, 77 per cent of its coffee met the standard. Thai farms are among those the firm is helping to comply with the new requirements, Darling said.
       The "Shared Planet" campaign also includes targets on community involvement and environmental stewardship, such as using 100-per cent reusable or recycleable cups by 2015, and for all new company-owned stores to be certified "green" by 2010. This condition is particularly relevant here, as Starbucks Coffee Thailand is one of only about 10 wholly-owned Starbucks subsidiaries in the world.
       In Thailand, Starbucks has since last year offered a 10-per-cent discount on all beverages to customers who bring in their own reusable mugs. Marketing and communications director Sumonpin Jotikabukkana said customers are currently bringing in about 32,000 reusable mugs per month, up 50 per cent from last year, reflecting a growing environmental awareness in the Kingdom.
       Unlike in the US, where many Starbucks customers order their beverages to go, more Thai customers sit and drink in the stores, which helps the environment because they are served with reusable ceramic mugs.
       Already, more than half of the mugs used in Starbucks stores here are reusable and recyclable, Sumonpin said.