As Starbucks rises in popularity, many people find the whole chain incredibly overwhelming. Some find it unnecessary. And some find it to be White Girl Central. Here are a few complaints I've heard about the mega coffee chain and why you shouldn't hate them.
"It's so expensive!"
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Well, yes it is. But Starbucks uses quality ingredients, so you should expect to pay a bigger price. They offer a wide variety of options with selections from all over the globe. So you aren't just getting creamer; you're getting skim/half/whole/soy/coconut milk. You're not just getting coffee; you're getting light/medium/bold roast and reserve coffee options. You're not just getting a juice; you're getting flavors you wouldn't normally have like mango or hibiscus.
They also use eco-friendly packaging.Starbucks knows that they are a big industry with a lot of waste. Which is why they use "raw material in a variety of recycling systems and are working with non-governmental organizations, policy makers, competitors, industry associations and others to bring solutions to scale and tackle common challenges". They're managing their footprint and that comes at a higher dollar.
"They're destroying small businesses."
Well...sort of. They may not be supporting their neighbor across the street, but they are supporting their neighbors around the globe. Starbucks supports coffee co-ops. They are described as "shareholders". Small-town farmers with smaller plots of land (non-commercial farming) bring their beans to a processor, where they all get processed together. The profits from the bean sales are reincorporated into the small town and farmer. The coffee from those areas is ethically sourced meaning there is "no child labor, humane conditions for workers and a guaranteed fair price paid to each farmer." So yeah, maybe Starbucks is killing small businesses in the US, but it's bringing up small farmers located around the world.
Additionally, they're trying to create more jobs in the US. They "provide financing to underserved community businesses which include small business loans, community center financing, housing project financing and microfinance." To read more about it, check the hyperlink.
“White girls”
Everybody calm down. Starbucks offers a variety of products to appeal to all kinds of people. They know that not everyone likes coffee, which is why they have things like Frappuccinos and Refreshers. You are not better than white girls because you're drinking six shots of straight espresso. I am one of those white girls who orders really pretentious drink orders (tall decaf vanilla soy latte no whip). I like Starbucks, I like leggings and I am also a successfully functioning member of society.
“I want just coffee.”
You can order just plain coffee. Seriously, just ask for it. I know the menu is intimidating, but the baristas are friendly and knowledgeable and will know how to serve you.
While Starbucks is caught up in the hype, remember that they aren't evil. They are a big business that caters to their audience and works hard to create a sustainable process. It's okay to have your five dollar latte if that's what helps you make it through the day.
