Starbucks Rewards Reusable Cups on Earth Day 2015

On April 22, 2015 — the 46th annual Earth Day — millions around the globe took small but meaningful steps to reduce waste and support environmental sustainability. For coffee drinkers in mainland China, one simple action brought both a reward and a reminder: bring your own cup, and Starbucks would thank you with a free cup of freshly brewed drip coffee.

From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM that day, any customer in China who brought in their personal Starbucks reusable tumbler or ceramic mug received one complimentary freshly brewed drip coffee. No strings attached — just a straightforward environmental incentive.

Starbucks’ Second Annual Eco Action for Earth Day

This wasn’t a one-off effort. In fact, it was Starbucks China’s second consecutive Earth Day promotion built around reusable cups. The company used the occasion to promote eco-conscious habits while giving something back to customers who helped cut down on single-use waste. The campaign was also part of Starbucks’ broader Earth Month initiatives for April 2015.

How Big Was the Impact in 2014?

The previous year’s campaign was notably successful. In 2014, Starbucks stores across China handed out over 65,000 cups of free drip coffee to customers who brought their own containers. That level of participation showed strong public interest, and Starbucks hoped to build on that momentum in 2015.

Public Engagement Before Earth Day

Promotion for the event started well in advance. Through its official website, Weibo, WeChat, and in-store materials, Starbucks China actively encouraged both customers and partners (employees) to take part in caring for the planet. By April 19, 2015, over 400,000 netizens had visited the “” (“Contribute a Cup’s Worth”) campaign webpage and clicked “” (“I Support”) to signal their commitment to environmental action.

Starbucks’ Global and Local Sustainability Efforts

Environmental responsibility is a core part of Starbucks’ global corporate social responsibility platform. Worldwide, the company has long promoted reusable cup use, which has helped eliminate tens of millions of paper cups annually. In 2014 alone, 47.6 million customers worldwide brought their own cups to Starbucks stores.

In China, Starbucks took a localized approach with its “Environmental Discount” program. Since its launch, the policy has offered a RMB 2 discount to every customer who brings their own cup when ordering a handcrafted beverage. This small but consistent financial incentive encourages repeat behaviour and builds greener coffee habits over time.

Why a Paper Cup Matters

It might seem like a small thing — a single paper cup. But Earth Day is founded on the idea that millions of small actions add up. On April 22, Starbucks invited customers to start with something simple: bringing your own cup. Whether it was a cherished tumbler or a trusty ceramic mug, using it for your coffee made an impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Starbucks Earth Day reusable cup promotion held in 2015?

The promotion took place on April 22, 2015 — Earth Day — from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM across Starbucks locations in mainland China.

What did you get for bringing your own cup?

Customers who brought their own Starbucks reusable tumbler or ceramic mug received one free cup of freshly brewed drip coffee.

Was this the first year Starbucks ran this promotion in China?

No, it was the second consecutive year. Starbucks China had previously run a similar Earth Day promotion in 2014.

How many free coffees were given out in 2014?

In 2014, Starbucks gave away more than 65,000 cups of free drip coffee to customers who brought their own cups.

Does Starbucks offer any other discounts for using reusable cups?

Yes, in China, Starbucks offers a permanent RMB 2 discount on all handcrafted beverages when you bring your own cup.

How many people supported the Earth Day campaign online before the event?

By April 19, 2015, over 400,000 people had shown support by clicking “I Support” on the campaign’s official webpage.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Drip Coffee

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