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Starbucks aims to become resource-positive company, but lacks target date

An ambitious goal for Starbucks to become a resource-positive company depends on changing consumer behaviour, which experts say is possible with the right incentives.
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Starbucks says it will work towards eliminating waste and providing more clean freshwater than it uses, in a Jan. 22, 2020 story. (Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

An ambitious goal for Starbucks to become a resource-positive company depends on changing consumer behaviour, which experts say is possible with the right incentives.

The Seattle-based coffee chain says it will work towards storing more carbon than it emits, eliminating waste and providing more clean freshwater than it uses.

Starbucks committed to three preliminary targets for 2030, including cutting carbon emissions from its direct operations and supply chain in half.

It plans to work towards these goals by expanding its plant-based options to migrate toward a more environmentally -friendly menu and shift from single-use to reusable packaging, among other things.

Sauder School of Business professor Katherine White says it’s not easy to change ingrained behaviour, but it is possible with the right motivation, like a sizeable reward.

Starbucks will spend the year conducting market research and trails to determine specific plans for how to implement its vision.

The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 22, 2020.