Alan Cumming in an interview with Starbucks Canada Exec: “Stop Punishing Vegans with Extra Fees”

For immediate release:
February 25, 2021

Contact:
Moira Collie 202-483-7382

Toronto – Today is the honorary director of PETA. Alan Cumming– who just filmed a new show for Apple TV + in Vancouver – addressed Starbucks Canada Senior Vice President Lori Digulla, writing: “Over a year ago, Starbucks recognized that cow’s milk is the company’s largest carbon footprint. However, he continues to punish customers for making eco-friendly and humane choices by charging them additional fees for vegan milk. ”

Cumming reached out to the Toronto subsidiary immediately after CEO Kevin Johnson said at a Starbucks investor meeting: “[T]The most significant shift in consumer behavior … is a complete shift towards plant-based foods. And it’s a shift in both drinks and food. ” Starbucks refuses to join other chains such as Balzac’s Coffee Roasters in Toronto and Breka Bakery & Cafe in Vancouver, which 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 “the animals are not ours to eat” – opposes arrogance, a worldview focused on human superiority.

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 Digulla.

February 25, 2021

Lori Digulla

Senior Vice President and General Manager

Starbucks canada

Dear Ms Digulla:

As a vegan and PETA Emeritus Director, I was thrilled to read that Starbucks will expand its vegan menu to meet the growing demand for plant-based foods and to work towards its commitment to sustainability. However, there is one simple action Starbucks can take. right now To show that the company is serious about cutting carbon emissions and reducing waste: Stop charging customers more for choosing organic and animal-friendly vegan milk.

It’s time to wake up and sniff the coffee. Over a year ago, Starbucks acknowledged that cow’s milk is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions for the company. However, he continues to punish customers for making eco-friendly and humane choices by charging them additional fees for vegan milk. It also unfairly harms people with lactose intolerance, most of whom are colored.

If Starbucks truly wants to help the planet, it must do more than just talk about its goals. It’s time to act. The United Nations Secretary-General has called on world leaders to declare a “climate emergency,” and President Biden signed a decree for the United States to join the Paris Climate Agreement. As you know, 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 biggest move would be to end the sale of cow’s milk altogether, but at least Starbucks can – and should – move away from increasing its vegan milk price. My PETA friends and I will sing your praises to you when you do!

Sincerely,

Alan Cumming

PETA Honorary Director