For immediate release:
March 1, 2021
Contact:
Moira Collie 202-483-7382
Seattle – Today is the honorary director of PETA. Alan Cumming sent a letter to Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson, in which he wrote: “[I]It’s been over a year since your company recognized that cow’s milk is the biggest carbon footprint, but you’re still charging more for vegan milk. I urge you to put your words into practice by removing the premium from them. “
Cumming’s appeal to PETA comes after Johnson said at a Starbucks investor meeting: “[T]he is the most dominant shift in consumer behavior … towards plant [products]… And it’s a shift in both drinks and food. ” Johnson, however, refuses to join other chains like Costa Coffee, Stumptown, Wawa, Panera Bread and more that don’t charge extra for vegan milk. The pay increase has sparked particular controversy among black clients, many of whom are lactose intolerant.
Cumming’s full letter is below. PETA, whose motto is in part that “animals are not ours to eat,” is opposed to specisism, a worldview focused on human excellence.
For more information please visit PETA.org or subscribe to the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram…
This is followed by a letter from Cumming to Johnson.
March 1, 2021
Kevin Johnson, CEO
Starbucks
Dear Mr. Johnson:
As a vegan and PETA Emeritus Director, I was thrilled to read that Starbucks plans to expand its plant-based menu to meet growing demand. When you make these changes, I would like to point out that it’s been over a year since your company recognized that cow’s milk is its biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions, but you still charge more for vegan milk. I urge you to put your words into practice by removing the premium from them.
Please show us Starbucks knows it’s time to wake up and sniff the coffee. The UN Secretary General has called on world leaders to declare a “climate emergency” and President Joe Biden signed a decree on the US joining the Paris Climate Agreement. Greenhouse gases are emitted at almost every stage of milk production, and manure from dairy farms pollutes our waterways and creates dead zones in the oceans where no life can survive. The most crucial step would be to completely stop selling cow’s milk. But at least you can end the vegan milk premium that will punish customers who make humane and organic choices, as well as those who are lactose intolerant, most of whom are colored.
In response to the pandemic, many companies are trying to become a greater force for good in the world, and people want to support responsible businesses that are making real efforts to combat climate change.
Show that you care about animals, the environment and your customers by charging an extra fee for vegan milk. My PETA friends and I will sing your praises to you when you do!
Sincerely,
Alan Cumming
Honorary Director of PETA