Starbucks Can Lead on Compassion and Prosper Doing It

Beginning Feb. 13, 2023, #Starbucks will require #customers to spend more before qualifying for freebies. That will mean, for example, that it will take 100 stars to earn a complimentary coffee, tea, or bakery item rather than the current 50 stars; 200 stars versus 150 to earn a handcrafted drink; and 300 stars for a protein box, salad, or sandwich, up from the current 200-star requirement.

These changes would not stop me from supporting Starbucks. I have seen the recent outreach to partners (employees) from Corporate and the commitment to increased benefits and wages. I support that. My local Starbucks did an admirable job during the height of the pandemic, providing a service even in a difficult time exacerbated by what were too often rude and disrespectful customers. Sadly, what HAS stopped me from continuing on as one of Starbucks' long-standing best customers was the company's continued commitment to the #dairy industry at the expense of #plantbased customers. I walked away in late-March 2022 not because I couldn't pay the $.70 upcharge but because in paying that extra cost I was subsidizing an industry that exploits #animals, is often cruel to animals, and is a defined player within the #climatechange arena. Starbucks has been trying to eliminate #plastics from its line, and I respect and admire that. But that does not negate the reality that those who choose plant-based, #vegan drinks are subsidizing dairy industry iniquities.

Starbucks' new CEO reached out to me in early November 2022, informing me that I would hear from a member of his #team. I appreciated that #communication and welcomed the dialogue. Unfortunately, that never happened.

I am a certified #changemanagement practitioner; I understand that behavior #change can be difficult. Communication is critical to get the ball rolling. Starbucks is making changes for the betterment of partners and it is making changes to its rewards programs undoubtedly to support those changes and reflect positively on the company's bottom line. I truly believe that with the right messaging and a strong sponsoring voice (#HowardSchulz? #LaxmanNarasimhan?) for ending dairy subsidies and putting nondairy milk and creamer on a level playing field , Starbucks would be greatly respected and applauded for the change.

Those of us who hold compassion for and advocate on behalf of #planet and #sentient beings believe that there is room, interest in, and a path forward for additional change that is both #humane and #profitable.

(Blog article by Don Scott)