This year April 15, 2010 is not just tax day. It’s “free brewed coffee day” at Starbucks. But there is a catch to this: The customer has to be “green.” Bring in your own personal tumbler and receive a free brewed coffee in it on April 15, 2010. Think of it as an early celebration of Earth Day.
This is THE perfect chance to remind my readers that being green is truly a partnership between the customer and the business. The responsibility to take care of the environment is in the hands of both customer and corporation. I routinely hear complaints about the lack of recycling in a Starbucks store, but the fact of the matter is that it is far more “green” and “earth friendly” to bring in your own cup than to use a paper cup and then toss that paper cup into a recycle bin.
The amount of energy required to sort recyclables, transport them to a recycle station, convert and transform it into something new, and then re-distribute that new product into the chain of commerce far exceeds the little bit of water required to rinse a personal cup.
Make it a habit to take a personal cup with you to Starbucks. Whether you throw it in a backpack, keep it in your car, toss it in your purse, or carry it around in your briefcase, a personal tumbler IS the earth-responsible thing to do on the part of the customer, and there is no substitution for it (other than staying in the store and asking for your beverage in for-here ware).
According to the 2008 Shared Planet report, less than 2 percent of all Starbucks customers are using their own personal cup. This has got to change. That change can only happen when we, as customers, make that personal decision to change our own Starbucks habits. I know it’s cool and hip to have a white cup, with a Siren, and boxes, but taking care of the earth is even cooler. Starbucks partners are an important part of this too. I’ve heard it said (not sure if this is an exact statistic) that Starbucks partners use about 4 million paper cups every year. Starbucks, in total, uses over 3 billion paper cups every year.
This is also a great opportunity to remind folks of my previous blog entry on recycling at Starbucks:
Commentary: Recyclable Cups and Starbucks
Enjoy your free coffee on the 15th!
PS: Notice the reusable coffee tumbler in the image associated with this blog entry. Those who know me, know that I am totally enamored with the Starbucks coffee stamps of the 1990s and the era when the coffee stamp was constantly in use for custom blends, half-pound coffee sales, and sampling coffee. The tumbler featured shows off the first generation of coffee stamps before they were through the late 1990s revision. That Sumatra tiger is still what I think of in my head when I think of Sumatra. It is still my visual image for Sumatra.
So who else will be having a free cup of coffee this Thursday? 🙂
[[Caution: This blog entry applies to the United States. I know I have readers world-wide, but I’m not sure if other Starbucks other than the U.S. have similar promotions going on. Sorry.]]
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Wow, I had no idea this was happening. This will be a great way to have some Estima Blend (Week 6 of the tasting club) on the house, and really promote the use of personal cups. Thanks for the heads-up!
Thanks for posting this information, Melody! For some reason this hasn’t filtered down to my store yet, so it’s good to have a heads up. As to the promotion, I think it’s great! I love it when Starbucks encourages customers to truly “be green.” Hope people take advantage of this!
I have seen nothing about this either. So, I just called my regular store and was told they just found out about it today…..and there’s no signage referring to it. (it’s 7:30A here)
YOU are on the ball Melody!!!!
I absolutely love this initiative, on two levels: 1) It helps Starbucks to emphasize a green initiative, something that the company already does an admirable job of. And I think, generally speaking, people would agree that lest paper waste is a good thing. 2) It helps, just like the current bold promotion does, bring the focus back where I think it belongs. A coffee business certainly needs to be about things other than brewed coffee; but it needs to be about brewed coffee first. So any initiative that places a greater emphasis on quality and ubiquity of that product is a good one, I think.
@denise and Emma – Hmm! I found out about this on Friday. I had some conversation with some Starbucks partners and learned that Starbucks would be announcing this promotion on 4/12 (today) and so I decided to write this blog and schedule it to announce on 4-12. When I discovered this on 4-9, I had called a regular store of mine, and the partner answering the phone knew exactly what I was talking about but said there was no customer-facing information yet. Spread the word! Free coffee Thursday (w/ your own tumbler!) sounds like fun! I suspect this blog post is only a matter of hours earlier than an MSI blog post update, though not sure why they don’t “schedule” their updates too. LOL
Thanks for the info Melody. I also wonder if my stores knows about it because there are no signs about it. What a great promotion. I only drink green tea, but my husband will love this promotion. You are sure this applies to all USA stores?
Wowwie Zowwie Zonkers I can hardly wait and I think I’ll have mine with a shot or two of that dark cherry stuff.
We did have this in Canada last year, except it was limited to Pike Place Roast so I didn’t bother. I haven’t heard anything about this yet so I don’t think we’re getting it this year.
Something else that I think is worth noting: Given that the idea of bringing in your own tumbler and getting a free coffee is, ostensibly, to reduce paper waste, it’s very appropriate that this promotion coincides with the Cafe Estima blend being featured. Nevermind the fact that Estima is quite enjoyable; it fits the eco friendly nature of this initiative quite well. A nice tie in.
I hope that for us tea drinkers , they will give us a free regular tea as well on April 15th.
You can get a tumbler at Walgreens that looks just like the SBUX cup only it’s made of porcelain and it has a rubber like sleeve that looks just like the SBUX sleeve. It fits a tall size into it.
I can’t speak authoritatively on what everyone everywhere will do, but the instructions I received basically dictate that most any drink should be accommodated. The idea here is to reward the customers for using their own tumbler; if they want something other than coffee, that can be made to happen. Tea shouldn’t be a problem.
Now this is great news! You know I’ll be asking for fresh-brewed bold! Thanks for the heads up on this!
That was good to know…thanks Melody! I asked my store about it this morning, and they didn’t know anything about it yet. I was pretty surprised, because they are generally on the ball with promos. Maybe tomorrow they will know more!
I’ll be there! I think this is a great promotion. It will get customers to dig those reusable mugs out and hopefully start a trend of using them. Thanks for the heads up!
This is exciting too because like Brendan said we can get our coffee stamp that day as well! I admit I don’t use my personal mugs very often when I go to Starbucks, only when I make my coffee to take with me. I have a tall mug, a grande mug, and I also have a thermos that they came out with around Valentines day about 3 years ago (I think its grande size). I will make more of an effort to use these…I love the thermos, but I can honestly say I think I have only used it 1 time.
Yes, in Germany it is the same day with the same event.
Really awesome by Starbucks to do such an environmentally and customer friendly offer…really like that idea!
BTW: WOOOOW! I love your tumvler! All those stamps look so awesome on this tumbler!!
As I said earlier, my store confirmed to me that they just learned of it today…but when I went there around 12:30P, still nothing visible about it. I will talk….. (spread the word) And, as you mentioned, it IS just now on Ideas in Action (msi) and I recvd an e-mail about it. Was not there earlier.
Received emails from Starbucks (1 this morning and 2 late this afternoon) announcing the Free Coffee.
Of course there is fine print “April 15th offer good up to 20oz. while supplies last.”
Someone asked on Starbucks Gossip if they could bring their 64 oz. mug. This person is a prime example of the entitled freeloader abuser snots that Starbucks should “just say no” to.
As a regular customer I appreciate these sort of specials, but I do not appreciate the entitled freeloader abuser snots that it attracts. This will be a day that I’ll put a generous tip in the tip-jar for the hassles the baristas will have to endure from these folks.
@DadCooks – I haven’t gotten an email from Starbucks in ages. I used to get them. So I didn’t get the email this morning or afternoon. I saw the Starbucks Gossip question and I assumed that that person was just trying to get someone’s goat with his 64 ounce hypothetical.
To be honest, I usually don’t participate in these things. I skip free pastry day because of the lines, and probably will skip a free cup of coffee unless I happen to get here when the line is reasonable.
DadCooks, thanks again for dropping by the site!
@Hayley and ALN – Glad to see both of you will be using a tumbler and joining in! Maybe we can turn both of you into regular tumbler carrying customers.
I washed out my thermos tonight (it is a 16 oz Grande size and the prettiest pink color!)
I did swing by on pastry day, I get there early in the morning on my way into work, so there is not usually more than 1 other person, if any, waiting along with me. Even on pastry day it was the normal ‘busy’ when I was there.
There was a time I felt bad attending these types of things, especially when I was afraid the baristas would have no idea and think I was trying to get something for free. I didn’t want to be horribly embarrassed! But, they know me well enough now (I hope) and they are usually up to speed on the promos.
Hey Melody!
I just wanted to say that I know it’s happening around the globe… in Australia we’re doing it between 2-4pm, and it’s ANY beverage, not just brewed coffee, if you bring in a tumbler. =]
Melody- it is tuesday am here and my local SB is totally clueless re this offer on April 15 and they were even a bit annoyed at hearing about it. Goes back to the how is communication going from corporate SB to district level to store level? Why should we the customer have to print out an email and bring to the store?
I got no e-mails from Starbucks but I did gen a green tumbler or mug or whatever you folks wish to call it by UPS last week with a letter from Cecile to bring it in Thursday and they’ll fill it up with coffee. If the Starbucks in my Safeway is participating I think I’ll do it but if not I think I’ll pass because I think the line up at a regular Starbucks would be too long.
about that tumbler that Steve recvd from Cecile???? what’s up and who gets that???? that’d be a nice Gold perk….. not that I need another tumbler, but, nice to receive and would also make a nice gift….. ??? anyone else?
I agree Denise – how did Steve get a tumbler? They should give gold card members a reward gift of a tumbler. Certainly would help support the program for April 15 and let people know about it. Now to only make sure the stores know about it! p.s. I did not get a tumbler either.
Hey Melody,
In Australia we are implementing this initiative, but we are not restricting it to brewed coffee – customers can have ANY handcrafted beverage in their tumbler (up to the Venti size – no buckets please :D)
I hope it goes well!
one of the news stations did a blurb about this last night, but not being a news person, i didn’t watch. i think it was channel 4 (i was watching/recording castle).
i wonder if they meant it to coincide with tax day? i bet they’ll have a lot of sleepy people on their hands from all those last minute e-filers staying up til midnight 🙂
if i were a drip coffee person, and if 15th were participating, i might do it. might do it anyway, just because my energy levels lately have been so low. i blame this on not having to be awake at 8am to push boxes around!
It was a complete surprise to me to get that green tumbler and another suprise to learn that I was in a select group to get one and I am truly honored.
strange that a store wouldn’t have been aware of this until today…we were chatting about it with customers last week…which I think is a great idea, b/c the more promotion something like this gets , the more likely it is that people will start using tumblers, even a little bit more.
I’m glad they are doing something like this, anything that promotes tumblers is great in my opinion 🙂
oh, and it’s any brewed coffee…at least that’s what we are offering (I’m in canada)
@denis it’s not a gold perk. It’s a top commenter thing-I’m assuming it’s the same as what is being sent to me…
Besides Steve, am curious who else got a free tumbler? Curious how they defined top commentator.
I have a few tumblers and I *really* need to start carrying one with me like you suggested in your post. They aren’t getting enough use and so this Thursday is the perfect opportunity to get back into the habbit of carrying a tumbler on the go. I’m thinking maybe I should knit myself a large carry all bag. However I’m carrying my tumbler I’m going to be sure to stop into my local starbucks for some tasty drip coffee this Thursday 😀 Thank you for keeping us in the loop!
re: the “green” tumbler: I DID receive one also today, with a letter from Cecile…..saying thanks for participating in MSI and the info. about the Thursday event. I’m assuming all other ‘regulars’ will receive the same. ???
I thought I was special but I guess all you folks will get one I just got mine early.
Two Starbucks stores today and two sets of baristas with no idea about Thursday’s free coffee offer!!!!!!!
Apparently communication isn’t one of Starbucks’ strong points. Or maybe they are waiting until Wednesday night to tell the baristas.
No tumbler sent to me, and I am definitely a regular. Does is have the My Starbucks Idea logo? I haven’t been on MSI as much now as I used to be and don’t think I ever made it on the top commenter page. However, I was one of the complimentary black gold card recipients because of my MSI participation. I didn’t ask about Thursday today when I was there, figured I would wait until tomorrow.
I’m really overdue to come back to this thread, so I’m replying to everyone. It looks like I need to update my blog post and make it clear that this promotion is world-wide, and not just Starbucks in the United States.
Yes, I did get the green tumbler. I carefully read everything that I see and get from Starbucks, which is why I realized a little early there was an event on 4-15. I didn’t want to mention about the tumbler, because I wouldn’t want to make someone feel bad for not getting a tumbler, and I don’t want ANY to think their participation is less desireable because they didn’t get a tumbler. I realize we’re talking about people who participate at MSI, but still online communities, no matter where they are, only work because of the comments.
Interesting how they might define a regular on MSI. I thought I was considered a regular commentator and feel I give input on a fairly frequent basis and did not get a tumbler. Also, today Wed and my local SB is still very clueless over tomorrow’s promotion. The SM has not mentioned it to anyone nor put anything on a bulletin board for baristas to read.
For anyone who was wondering, I got a green tumbler from Cecile too.
re: the tumbler. no, it says nothing about MSI on it, just in the note from Cecile. I think the tumbler is just like the ‘green’ ones in the store. I agree with what Melody alluded to about ‘not mentioning’ this…… but, especially if it’s a “GOLD” reward, I think it’s a good idea to hear about it…just so everyone knows what’s out there and if you’re missing it. (as a ‘gold’ thing)
And as for tomorrow, and the free coffee, I’ve been in 3 different stores since Monday, 2 different ones as late as yesterday afternoon, and I’ve seen NO signage anywhere about this ‘event’ in any store. maybe I’m missing it but if I’m missing it and I’m LOOKING for it, it can’t be very obvious. ???
I don’t really expect to see signage in the store (I could very well be wrong though). There was no singage on pastry day. I believe the communciation was just via the internet, email and on the news in some areas. The barista at my Starbucks knew about it this morning; she saw it on Facebook so I think she will communicate it to those that might not.
I’m not surprised by not receiving the mug, if it’s an MSI thing. I have only left a smattering of comments lately – not including the weekly comments for the bold tasting club. I hope it wasn’t a gold promo though…I get so sad when I feel like there were coupons and promos sent that I didn’t receive.
It would be nice if Cecile or someone from MSI would clarify the question about the tumbler gift. I also asked on MSI as well. I am pretty sure people from SB read this great blog. Melody keep it going strong!
btw, deff not for tea tomorrow fyi
I’m sort of sad I don’t get to work this…I’d love giving away free coffee 😉
@steve, I usually find lack of communication that I read about comes at store level, Not from starbucks. They sent this info quite a while ago. It’s up to each stores management to get information to their partners. @Haley, I don’t have an idea launched
@melody-sorry for the million posts!
Today was highly amusing…I had at least 3 customers call, and a few more ask at the window and in the cafe about the free coffee….some people don’t know how to read their calenders, they all thought it was today! lol.
me: “yes ma’am, we’re doing the promotion on the 15th, if you bring in your own tumbler you get it filled with brewed coffee on us!”
lady on the phone: “well, isn’t today the 15th!?!??”
me: “no ma’am, today is the 14th.
lotp: “ohhhh…”
I’m glad to see so many more customers are abreast of what’s going on….and I think someone brought up an interesting point further up in the comments…not enough baristas know about this! Its a big deal, and it’s a big draw in for a lot of our customers!
Sadly though, this isn’t the first time baristas are unaware of promotions and special events happening in stores. There’s a real problem with that, and just as a shift supervisor, there’s only so much I can do.
That’s a cute story Hallie! And it did feel like the 15th all day today! Tell your baristas to come read my site. 😉