By MB Online In line with its “greener” advocacy and in celebration of Earth Day, Starbucks Philippines is set to launch reusable cups and straws for its customers starting Monday, April 22. (STARBUCKS PHILIPPINES / MANILA BULLETIN) The reusable cups, both available for cold and hot beverages, will be sold at P100 each while reusable straws can be availed at P30 pesos each in all Starbucks stores nationwide. Made from polypropylene, a plastic widely accepted into global recycling infrastructure, the new cups were designed to make it sturdier and more sustainable to single-use packaging. The coffeehouse chain also urged the public and its customers to join its cause and help organizations for its “greener” vision. “From April 22 to 26, customers who will bring in their reusable cups, personal tumblers or mugs of at least 16oz. in size or higher will be given the option to donate their Php5 cup discount to their choice of an environmental organization from the given NGO partners. Upon choosing an organization to donate to, customers will receive a complimentary upsize,” Starbucks Philippines stated on its press release. Donations can either go to the World Wildlife Fund Philippines or the Haribon Foundation. “We’ve seen an increase in public awareness and concern for the plastic waste issue in recent years. We’re proud to provide a reusable option in all Starbucks® stores in the Philippines without making sacrifices to our customers’ daily coffee needs,” Keith Cole, head of marketing, category, and QA of Starbucks Philippines said. Last year, Starbucks initiated its goal to remove all plastic straws in all stores globally by 2020. Meanwhile in the country, the “Skip the Straw” initiative was launched wherein customers were offered to skip straws, disposable utensils, and napkins. Instead, they were provided other options such as specially-designed sipping lids and compostable straws.