Nothing to be smug about
July 31st, 2007
People in Berkeley love Peet’s. And Peet’s loves Peet’s. There’s definitely something a little self-satisfied about the place, probably a result of the devotion it inspires in the many “coffee as cult” types here. (And I speak as someone who buys fresh beans at Peet’s every fortnight and positively relishes my cup of homemade morning java.)
This is fueled I think by the perception that Starbucks is in some way the enemy. True Berkeleyites wouldn’t be seen dead sipping a Blueberry & Creme Frapuccino there when their homegrown Peet’s serves an equally outrageous mocha concoction with Scharffen Berger chocolate and whipped cream.
I think Peet’s makes a decent cappuccino — although its regular drip variety served in stores is as bitter and undrinkable as it is anywhere where coffee has been left to brew for more than fifteen minutes.
What irks me most about Peet’s, and other coffee shops, is the blatant environmental waste it causes with the millions of plastic and paper cups its customers walk away with and then toss in the garbage.
Sure, on their respective websites, Peet’s and Starbucks tell of their good deeds internationally and their recycling efforts. But neither has found a way to prevent those tons of plastic regularly hitting the landfill sites.
There have been many grassroots campaigns protesting Starbucks’ record on organic standards and fairtrade coffee. But I’m not sure Peet’s has any reason to take the moral high ground for these reasons or any other — just because it’s much smaller and makes more drinkable coffee.
It’s in Berkeley after all. If not here, where are you going to take a stand?