In 2019, Starbucks promised to cut global warming pollution from all its operations by 50% by 2030. Long term, Starbucks says it wants to become "resource-positive, storing more carbon than we emit, replenishing more freshwater than we use, and eliminating waste."
They're just one of many companies to make these sort of "net zero" pledges in the last few years. But Starbucks is especially important because they're a huge global brand, and market themselves as a more sustainable and climate conscious coffee brand.
But Starbucks' big climate promise is a lie: since promising to cut emissions, Starbucks has actually emitted more global warming pollution, year after year, every year, even when the pandemic forced them to close stores and reduce operations.
Sign now to demand Starbucks stop greenwashing, and start reducing climate emissions now.
We're especially excited to join Labor Network for Sustainability and other union allies on this campaign. That's because, at the same time Starbucks has been breaking their promise on climate change, they've spent a fortune on a union busting campaign. Starbucks has already fired more than 125 union leaders across the country. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued 31 official Complaints that include more than 800 allegations of employer misconduct. Just like on climate, Starbucks says that it "respects [its] partners' right to organize," and they even require suppliers to allow union organizing. But Starbucks just keeps saying one thing, and doing another.
Despite the company's union-busting, Starbucks workers continue to organize and win. There are now more than 260 unionized Starbucks stores, with more than 6,300 union workers, in 34 states and D.C. And to put our solidarity into action, we'll be participating in actions with Starbucks Workers United over the coming weeks that demand Starbucks live up to its promises — to people and the planet!
When we win, we'll have a great example of how a global corporation can clean up its carbon footprint, and create good, union jobs at the same time. Because when climate and labor groups work together, we don't just make change, we create the sustainable economy we all deserve.
But first, we need you to sign the petition and get involved! Sign the petition: Demand Starbucks step it up NOW and take action to curb their dangerous greenhouse gas emissions. We’ll follow up next week with more opportunities to take action and deliver our demands to the corporation in solidarity with union workers.
Thanks,
Drew and the 198 cups of climate neutral solidarity crew.
PS - Do you have a local affinity group or NGO that wants to join the campaign? Sign your organization or group on to this letter to demand Starbucks stop union-busting, and allow workers to unionize without fear of reprisal.