1. What does the phrase “booming sales” suggest about Starbucks’ cold drinks?
A. They come in a variety of flavours.
B. They are a healthier option compared to hot drinks.
C. They are popular with customers.
D. They are usually consumed chilled.
2. If something is “disposable”, it …
A. can be used again.
B. needs to be thrown away after use.
C. is cheap to produce
D. is able to store food and water.
3. How much less plastic is used to produce the new cold cups?
A. about 10 per cent
B. as much as 15 per cent
C. no more than 20 per cent
D. at least 40 per cent
4. How much plastic will the new cold cups save every year according to the podcast?
A. 6,037 tonnes
B. 37 tonnes
C. 6,123 tonnes
D. 3,700 tonnes
5. Which feature of the cold cups is designed to help baristas with impaired vision according to the podcast?
A. raised dots near the cup’s bottom
B. different colours for each size
C. Braille markings on the side of the cup
D. larger print size labels
6. How are the lids of the tall-sized cups different from the larger ones?
A. They are thicker.
B. They are wider in diameter.
C. They are smaller in size.
D. There is no difference.
7. What do customers get when they return their cups under the upcoming reusable cup programme?
A. their deposit
B. a free drink
C. a new cup
D. cash rewards
8. What does the Plastic Pollution Coalition think Starbucks can do to reduce plastic waste further?
A. switch to 100 per cent compostable plastic
B. offer lower prices for customers who use reusable cups
C. discourage customers from taking out meals
D. all of the above
9. According to the podcast, which fast food restaurant is also reducing plastic in their packaging?
A. Jollibee
B. KFC
C. McDonald’s
D. Five Guys
10. According to the podcast, what are Coca-Cola’s new bottles made from?
A. stainless steel
B. glass
C. ceramic
D. none of the above
11. Arrange Starbucks’ efforts to reduce plastic waste in chronological order from 1 to 4.
(A) Implement a reusable cup deposit and return system. ______
(B) Design cups that use less plastic. ______
(C) Switch to lids that do not require straws. ______
(D) Transition all packaging to sustainable options. ______
Starbucks spent four years developing the new cups that have 20 per cent less plastic. Photo: Reuters
Answers
1. C
2. B
3. C
4. C
5. A
6. B
7. A
8. B
9. C
10. D
11. (A) 3; (B) 2; (C) 1; (D) 4
Script
Adapted from Associated Press
Voice 1: Booming sales of cold drinks at Starbucks have created a problem: growing amounts of plastic waste from the single-use cups holding Frappuccinos, cold brews and other iced drinks. The coffee giant wants to reduce its waste with new disposable cups that contain up to 20 per cent less plastic. Last month, the cups started rolling out to US and Canadian stores.
Voice 2: Amelia Landers, who is Starbucks’ vice-president of product innovation, said the company spent four years developing the new cups. According to Starbucks, its cold drinks account for 75 per cent of its US drink sales. The company estimates the new cups will keep more than 6,123 tonnes of plastic out of landfills yearly. It said that producing the tumblers also requires less water and creates fewer carbon emissions, which is a leading cause of climate change.
Voice 1: The redesigned cold cups also feature raised dots near the bottom. This enables baristas – including those with impaired vision – to quickly feel with the swipe of a thumb which size cup they’re holding. And the 350ml cup – that is the “tall” size in Starbucks lingo – is shorter and wider to accommodate the same size lid as larger cups.
Voice 2: Landers said the new cups are part of a sustainability push at Starbucks. The company adopted strawless lids in 2019. By next year, it plans to launch a reusable cup programme at stores in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Customers can pay a deposit when they buy a drink in a special cup that can be used up to 30 times. They will get the deposit back when they return the cup. By 2030, Starbucks wants all its packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable.
Voice 1: The Plastic Pollution Coalition, an advocacy group that seeks to end global plastic waste, said Starbucks’ redesigned cup is a positive step. However, it would like to see the company further reduce prices for customers who bring their own cups.
Voice 2: Starbucks isn’t the only company rethinking plastic packaging. In some markets, McDonald’s has introduced McFlurry cups without plastic lids, as well as salad boxes and cutlery made from renewable fibre. Last year, Coca-Cola said it developed a bottle made entirely from plant-based sources.