The Starbucks Challenge
by Jennifer Maiser

This week, I had the opportunity to see a panel of Environmental Bloggers here at the San Francisco Commonwealth Club. Among those bloggers was Green LA Girl, one of the founders of the Starbuck's Challenge.



Starbucks has decreed that consumers should be able to get a cup of fair-trade certified coffee at any Starbucks in the world, and if it's not already brewed they will French press a cup for you. Siel, the Green LA Girl, is among many bloggers who are putting that promise to the test. You see, Starbucks says that it can't increase it's purchases of Fair Trade Certified coffee unless there is a customer demand for it. But the Starbucks Challenge is setting out to show Starbucks what happens when someone orders a cup at their stores -- sometimes it works, and more often it doesn't.



This challenge has elicited many responses. For more information, read posts by:



Claire, a Starbuck's barista.
The Worsted Witch, who took the challenge in Manhattan.

Or check out the Starbucks Challenge on del.icio.us for the most up to date links.

Interested in taking the challenge? Keep an eye on Green LA Girl for announcements on the Starbucks Challenge 4.0 in March!

Submitted by Jennifer Maiser (view blog) on Fri, 02/03/2006 - 3:47pm
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Comments

 

Love green LA girl (and worsted witch)

I love green LA girl both for the Starbucks Challenge thing, and for the quality of her blogging.

She's also a feminist blogger. Whoo-hoo! ;)

I've also linked to that Worsted Witch one you link to - great illustration, huh? ;)

Best,
Melinda

Submitted by Melinda Casino on Sat, 02/04/2006 - 09:21
 

Fair trade coffee

What a fascinating topic to cover. I had never heard of the Starbucks Challenge and I'm pretty ignorant about the issues involved. Probably something I should educate myself about since I'm a huge coffee drinker.

Anne Zelenka
BlogHer Contributing Editor, Technology & Web

Submitted by Anne Zelenka on Sat, 02/04/2006 - 11:27
 

Consumer Demand

This reminds me of some GM exec I saw interviewed - he was talking about how "consumer's demanded SUVs." But that, I believe is HOOEY. Auto manufacturers created the demand with marketing.

There is ZERO reason Starbuck's couldn't do that with coffee. Still I applaud Green Girl - and you, Jennifer - for putting this idea in the public eye.

As a Seattleite, I'm bummed I haven't seen more about this. I hope your post raises awareness. And me, I get my coffee from a neighborhood coffee house when I buy, preferring to avoid a chain and go local whenever possible. I'm insufferable that way. :)

www.nerdseyeview.com

Submitted by Pam on Sat, 02/04/2006 - 22:41
 

I love the idea of asking

I love the idea of asking for free trade coffee. I have to confess, I never go to Starbucks even though I have two within walking distance of my house. I'll make a trip to one just to see if you can get a cup of free trade coffee in Salt Lake City.

Kalyn Denny
Kalyn's Kitchen

Submitted by Kalyn Denny on Sun, 02/05/2006 - 08:26
 

I am with those of you who

I am with those of you who said that you frequent local coffee places. I wrote here about the last time I had to go to a Starbucks. My trips there are few and far between, but this challenge has made me think about going into one just to participate.

FULL DISCLOSURE: That's not completely correct - once in a blue moon you'll find me in a Starbuck's buying a New York Times on Sundays, but that's about it.

**************************************************
www.lifebeginsat30.com
A weblog focusing on the importance of locally and sustainably grown food.

Submitted by Jennifer Maiser on Mon, 02/06/2006 - 16:27