Starbucks Bad - for oh so many reasons.

Never mind how bad the coffee is. Read this:

Coffee farmers are becoming even more impoverished, going further into debt and losing their land due to extremely low world coffee prices. Meanwhile coffee companies such as Starbucks have not lowered consumer prices but are pocketing the difference, even taking into account the quality premiums in the specialty industry.

According to Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International, Fair Trade farmers sell only about 20% of their coffee at a Fair Trade price. The rest is sold at the world price, due to lack of demand. Demand can be created by large corporations selling Fair Trade.

Since 2000, consumers have been demanding that Starbucks offer BREWED Fair Trade coffee as well as whole bean. Many Starbucks cafes will brew a pot of Fair Trade - but only if specifically asked. Meanwhile Fair Trade Coffee has yet to be promoted as the brewed Coffee of the Day, which is the only way to ensure real volume for Fair Trade Farmers.


Check the link for lots more information, and some constructive things you can do to make a difference: http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/coffee/starbucks.html


And while you're at it, check out the fair trade store. Great if you brew coffee or tea at home, or eat chocolate, or lots of other things... http://store.gxonlinestore.org/