Starbucks Japan Trials Rental Cup Initiative

Starbucks Japan is trialing a new rental cup initiative to reduce the use of disposable cups.

From November 22, 2021, until May 31, 2022, 10 Starbucks stores in the Marunouchi area of Tokyo are offering customers the option of renting a steel cup for their takeout drink. The cups can be used with any drink, and must be returned within three days, including the day of purchase.

The program is completely free of charge and is being operated through Re&Go, a reusable container service. Anyone who wants to use the rental service must first add Re&Go as a friend on Line, a popular messaging app in Japan.

When ordering a drink, customers must press "rent a cup" in the app, and tell the barista that they would like to use the service. There is a QR code on every reusable cup, which must be scanned to confirm the rental.

The cup can be returned by pressing "return a cup" on the app and scanning a QR code at any participating store, after which it can be left on the counter. It will then be collected, cleaned and reused.

The app also provides information on the amount of waste that would have been generated from a disposable cup. In this way, customers can see the immediate effects of choosing a reusable cup, and how it benefits the environment.

This initiative is part of Starbucks' promise to reduce waste by 50% by 2030. Similar trials have already taken place in Starbucks stores in the US and South Korea. If successful, Starbucks Japan could introduce the service in all stores across the country.

Discussion

1. What are your thoughts on Starbucks' rental cup initiative?

2. Is there a Starbucks in your town or city? If so, do you often go there?

3. How often do you get coffee to go? Do you have a reusable cup?

4. Do you own a coffee maker? Does it make good coffee?

5. Do you think you'd enjoy working as a barista? Why? Why not?

出处：头条号 @生活中学习英语