Starbucks: "New & Improved!"

Recently while in London, we stopped off for a pretentious Starbucks in Waterloo after visiting The Tate Modern. 

60% recycled fibre you say? 

This could of been avoided completely.

After we dashed about trying to grab the last available table, we ordered our drinks, and were chatting about our plans for the rest of the day when something suddenly dawned on me - we all had paper cups. This would be fine if I had specified I was taking away, or if there was no clean mugs available for the time being, but I took a quick snoop about the other tables, and realised everyone had them.

Then, I glanced over to the counter where the drinks are prepared, and there were no mugs stacked up like normal. Not one single reusable mug. This branch wasn't even a small stand where you grab a coffee on the go, it was a proper coffee shop, with seats and Wifi - so there's no need for paper cups?

On their website regarding their recycling efforts, they state that "Reducing the environmental impact of our cups depends on the success of two interrelated efforts: developing recyclable cup solutions and dramatically increasing our customers’ use of reusable cups. "

There were no "recycling points" and as I've already said, no reusable cups.

It's all very well to talk the talk, but it appears they are far from walking the eco friendly walk - and in a large metropolis such as London, you really would expect better.

Shame on you Starbucks. Shame on you.