We know Planet Earth is in trouble with changing weather patterns, and a significant problem with plastics polluting and harming the oceans. The planet deserves the respect, and need the help, of all citizens and corporations.
One significant problem faced around the globe is the increased use of foam packaging, which has often been cited as a source of many environmental problems. A number of environmentally-focused organizations have challenged global companies to reduce or eliminate their use of polystyrene.
One company heeding the call is Dunkin’ Donuts. The company recently announced its plan to eliminate all polystyrene foam cups throughout its global supply chain by 2020. The coffee giant will replace foam coffee cups with double-walled paper cups. The majority of the company’s international operations have already begun using paper cups; New York City and California will be adopting the new cups this year.
The move to eliminate foam cups is a significant change in the company’s supply and distribution chains. This is no small matter – there are more than 9,000 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the U.S. alone – that’s a lot of coffee cups!
Group Activities and Discussion Questions:
- Discuss setting SMART objectives (specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound).
- Show video about Dunkin’ Donuts switch: https://youtu.be/3kAP01BeRo4
- What are the SMART objectives set by Dunkin’ Donuts?
- Divide students into teams. Have each team develop five SMART objectives for a product of their choosing. Have the goals reflect various strategies including growth, sustainability, profitability, etc.
- Discuss the objectives. How would the objectives change if a different strategy was used?
- Debrief the exercise.
Source: Sustainable Brands (9 February, 2018). Dunkin’ Donuts to eliminate foam cups by 2020.
