Like most college students, I tend to drink coffee by the gallon. I know that is not the healthiest thing to do, but it is my one vice. I don’t drink or smoke, I eat healthy organic foods and work out daily. However, despite my never-ending caffeine addiction, I refuse to join the ranks of all those who line the walls of Starbucks to get my daily fix.
I understand that I am ragging on one of the largest coffee conglomerates in the country, especially one which happens to exhibit social consciousness and exemplifies an American success story. Chances are, as you’re reading this you probably have a Starbucks cup in their hand or at least some time today. In fact, the average Starbucks customer frequents the shop six times a month. I apologize if I have unintentionally hurt your feelings by picking on your favorite liquid energy, but the truth is the chain is too glorified for its own good.
1. Starbucks takes away from small local businesses
Some people argue that having a Starbucks in their community helps generate a positive economy ultimately putting more money back into it. Truth be told, most of the money you spend at Starbucks ends up in the hands of senior executives instead of the hands of those struggling to support their families.
2. Only a small percentage of their coffee is Fair Trade Certified.
Fairtrade coffee helps support coffee farmers in poverty-stricken areas. It is shocking that a profitable company like "Starbs" would rather cut corners than support these farmers.
3. Their food and milk contain preservatives.
As I mentioned early, I am incredibly health conscious, but partially because if I ingest sulfites (preservatives) my throat closes and out comes the Epipen followed by a trip to the ER. Although Starbucks has added non-dairy milk to their menus, the milk they use contain additives harmful for one’s health. Furthermore, they have been ignoring the public’s demand to stop selling GMO food.
4. THE CUPS!!!
They are not reusable. End of Story! Yes, Starbucks does offer reusable metal mugs which you can purchase, but part of Starbucks’ glory is the immediate gratification. Lugging around their reusable mug just in case someone decides they need their dose of caffeine does not scream spontaneity.
5. You have to get up and get dressed if you want coffee.
I am not a pleasant person in the morning until I have had my coffee. The last thing I want to do when I wake up is get dressed to go out and buy coffee. Instead, I invested in a coffee maker and ground coffee which is set to brew before I even wake up. This saves me time, money and other people’s feelings because like I said, I can be quite a grump before my morning coffee.
6. Your precious Pumpkin Spice Latte contains zero pumpkin.
Yes, you read that right, there is no pumpkin in Fall’s signature drink, in fact, it is laced with chemicals.
7. They never get your name right
It is Charlotte, like the spider, not “Charlit”!
