Got a blog tip? Contact us

« Did you hear the one about the Benetton boycott? | Main | Ghoulgle »

Starbucks Challenge

Stay Free! copyeditor in the field Siel (aka Green LA Girl) has launched an effort to call Starbucks on its b.s. As you may (or not) know, Starbucks widely advertises the fact that it sells fair-trade coffee, but whenever customers try to order fair-trade in many stores, they are turned down. So Siel posed this challenge to the readers of her blog:

1. Visit a Starbucks and ask: "Could I get a cup of fair trade coffee?"
2. Tell us what happens. Was it hard or easy to get a cup?

And I'll personally add a #3. to the above: If the Starbucks barista says she is indeed able to sell you a cup, say, "Thank you very much," then run for the door. (And go back to 2.)

Lest you think blogger efforts like this have no effect, the Starbucks Challenge has already elicited a response - with promises to change - from the company. So if you take the challenge yourself, make sure to let Siel know the results. And, while you're at it, you can also sign her letter to the company.