November 14 marks the annual Starbucks Reusable Red Cup Day. While many people run to get that holiday gift, the moment can turn into a bigger conversation. Encouraging people to use a reusable cup at Starbucks should come back into vogue.
Over the years, the Reusable Red Cup Day has almost as much fanfare as the annual Pumpkin Spice Latte drop date. In a world where few things are free, the promise of an extra gift during the holiday season has many people excited.
While people happily place an order for the peppermint mocha or one of the new holiday beverages, the idea of highlighting the reusable cup needs to be a bigger part of the conversation. Many people happily carry that refillable water bottle everywhere. Bringing a personal cup to Starbucks is not as common, but it should be.
Previously, Starbucks happily encouraged the use of reusable cups. During the pandemic, the concept had to be tabled for obvious reasons. Now, the ability to bring a personal cup is back, but people do not seem to embrace it as much.
Although a reusable cup might not be quite as easy for the drive-thru, people can choose to avoid the single use option. A little planning or extra time is worth it because additional trash is avoided.
Also, there is a cost savings to bringing that reusable cup. Even if 10 cents and 25 bonus stars may not seem like a huge discount, it is a savings. Given that people are constantly aware and wanting ways to reduce their food costs, any little help does make a difference.
This year’s Starbucks Reusable Red Cup is made from 95% recycled materials. It is good to see the coffee company choose this option for the promotion. Any additional effort to focus on sustainable options is worth it. With the company’s goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2030, the overall impact for the good of the planet is commendable.
Starbucks Reusable Red Cup Day is here. The question isn’t whether people will order. It is, who got their cup and how often will they reuse it during the holiday season?