TikTok user accuses Starbucks of ‘greenwashing’ with reusable cups

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A TikTok user has accused Starbucks of “greenwashing” after a barista for the coffee chain used a disposable plastic cup to pour a drink into their reusable tumbler. The user of the social media platform posted a video walking down the street holding a Starbucks-branded reusable cup, with text reading: “Brought my own tumbler to Starbucks, they made the drink in the normal plastic cup and transfered the coffee into my tumbler, and threw the plastic cup in the trash,” followed by a “face-palm” emoji. A spokesperson from Starbucks told The Independent via email that while Covid restrictions did pause the use of reusable cups, stores in Europe, the Middle East and Africa start reaccepting reusable cups in August 2020. “The use of reusables is part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to reducing waste and becoming a resource positive company,” the Starbucks spokesperson said, noting developments like returnable cups and strawless lids in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as reusable cups made from disposable cups.