In the News: Starbucks' BYOM Policy

Starbucks has set the bar even higher -- by the end of 2025, the company wants every customer to either bring their own mug or borrow a reusable to-go mug.

Their current disposable cups are instantly recognizable brand ambassadors. However, when this extension of their brand ends up in a landfill or is littered on the street, it's not sending the environmentally-friendly message Starbucks' shareholders are going for -- giving back more than they take from the planet.

Starbucks' goal is to reduce waste 50% by 2030. Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer, told CNN, “Our cup is ubiquitous, and we love that. But it is also this ubiquitous symbol of a throwaway society.”

By the end of 2023, Starbucks plans to let customers use their own mugs at every store in the United States and Canada, even on mobile or drive-thru orders.

Early in the pandemic, when people feared covid-19 could spread easily on surfaces, Starbucks prevented customers from bringing their own mugs. Now, Starbucks is reversing that decision, even incentivizing customers to try it by offering discounts.

For customers who forget a cup, Starbucks is piloting a widespread borrow-a-cup program, in which customers pay a deposit for a reusable cup they can take and return after use. They are also exploring the idea of cup washing stations at café counters. 

Ultimately the goal is to make the traditional paper and plastic cups a less attractive option. While the company hopes to eliminate disposable cups one day, Starbucks won’t be be able to throw them overboard them right away.

Here are five reusable cups that are perfect for a Starbucks drink.

This 16oz. double wall ceramic tumbler with a colorful silicone lid is dishwasher and microwave safe. It's an eco-friendly alternative which keeps beverages hot and cold. 

The 12oz. Camper is an insulated coffee mug with a handle designed for enjoying your favorite hot or cold drinks at home or on-the-go. With a clear push-on lid and matching swivel closure, you won’t have to worry about spills. Reusable and eye-catching, this powder-coated mug is a must-have in the morning.

Enjoy the at-home coffee experience with this 20oz. bamboo lid tumbler. The eco-friendly bamboo lid fits snugly atop for your journey home. With double-wall stainless steel insulation, beverages will stay hot or cold for up to 8 hours. The sleek design fits comfortably in most car cup holders. 

Our 12oz. Arctic Zone® Tumbler has double-wall 18/8 grade stainless steel vacuum construction with copper insulation, which allows your beverage to stay cold for up to 24 hours and hot at least 8 hours. The push-on lid with slide closure allows for easy sipping. Wide opening for comfortable ice filling and pouring.

Thanks to industry-defining double-wall stainless steel construction, the Thermos 16oz. Stainless King™ tumbler's vacuum insulation is as powerful as it gets. If you're like us, you want your coffee hot for your whole commute and the first read through your inbox.