Starbucks Serves Up Sustainability

Starbucks recently refurbished its store on NYC's Spring Street using recycled, reused, and locally sourced materials. Aesthetically, the changes reflect the character of the SoHo neighborhood and make patrons feel more at home. Environmentally, the company's decision to use green building materials reflects its proclaimed commitment to the planet.

As part of its Green Store initiative, Starbucks plans to renovate many other locations the same way and has promised that, by the end of this year, every new outpost they construct will be built to LEED standards.

Green stores are only one part of Starbucks' Shared Planet campaign. The coffee giant also engages in water and energy conservation, recycling, and measures to help stem climate change.

We're always on the lookout for greenwashing, but Starbucks' actions seem convincing. We hope the corporation's commitment to the planet will rub off on other international chains.

What do you think? Is Starbucks' Shared Planet campaign a PR ploy or a legitimate eco-effort?

--Sophie Matson