In response to Chris Belands Post Regarding Starbucks:

Do you think you will see alcohol sold at your local Starbucks anytime soon? Would you buy a beer or a glass of wine with your coffee? Do you think there will be any problems with people mixing too much caffeine and alcohol?

Response:

I don't think that I will see alcohol being sold at Starbucks anytime soon.  I couldn't see myself buying beer or wine with my coffee. I don't know if mixing caffeine and alcohol is such a good Idea.  People do mix caffeine and alcohol, but I don't see a need for Starbucks to start selling alcohol now. 

First of all there would be legal issues:

Alcohol is a controlled substance. 

There would be legal restrictions and guidelines to follow. 

For each of the 55 countries.

The serving age for employees would become a factor as well

Starbucks states on its website:" Our stores are a neighborhood gathering place for meeting friends and family. Our Customers enjoy quality service, an inviting atmosphere and an exceptional cup of coffee". Alcoholic beverages added to their line of offerings might change the atmosphere in the neighborhood gathering place that they have worked so hard to create.

I don't think  that Starbucks needs to expand it product line and offer alcoholic beverages. 

In the past few weeks  Starbucks has introduced a new coffee, they have already had great success their 30 blends of coffee, with the z-cups,the breakfast sandwiches, teas, their Frappuccino coffee brand and their merchandise.

Starbucks recently released a report that stated 'Total Revenue increased 10% percent to a record 3.4 billion".

I believe that Starbucks has a strong product line that they enhance with new products that they have developed with research and a strong market strategy. These new or improved products enrich their existing product offerings.

By continuing with this marketing strategy they will be able to keep their competitive advantage without venturing into  alcoholic beverages. Do you agree?

 

Apple and Its Environmental Footprint

Apple is aware that the manufacturing, shipping, transportation and usage of its products leaves an environmental footprint.  In recent years Apple has addressed it environmental footprint.  

In 2009, Apple began to report openly about its total carbon footprint. They included environmental reports for every product. This gave the general public an open window to watch and see how Apple would address these issues.

 In 2010, Apple estimated that it was responsible for 14.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.  Apple, also realized that 98% of these emissions came from: manufacturing, transportation, use and recycling of its products. The remaining 2% came from their facilities.

Apple took a stance to reduce their impact on the environment and they have stated that they have taken the following steps:

1.    Design the product using less materials
2.    Ship using smaller packaging
3.    Use less toxic substance- go greener
4.    Be as energy efficient as possible.
 

I believe that Apple has addressed this ethical issue in the appropriate way. Do you?

 The chart below show the reductions to date: