Compostable, Biodegradable Cold Drink Cups

• The cups, for drinks under 110 degrees Fahrenheit, are made from NatureWorks polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from corn grown in the USA.  These PLA cups are fully biodegradable and compostable.  Though, indistinguishable from normal plastic, these cups will fully degrade into water, carbon dioxide, and organic material when composted.  All of these cups have a “biocompostable” logo and “This cup is made from corn and is 100% compostable” printed on them in green.  This helps us distinguish them from the regular plastic cups, as well as facilitate sorting them into our Compost Bins.

Compostable, Biodegradable Drinking Straws

• Our biodegradable straws are made from PLA, a biodegradable resin made from corn starch.  When composted, the straws fully degrade into water, carbon dioxide, and organic material.

Biodegradable Corn Starch Cutlery/Utensils

• Our utensils are made from 80% non-GMO corn starch and 20% other biodegradable fillers and can handle hot foods and liquids up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.  The utensils are light white in color, strong, sturdy and imprinted with the “biocompostable” logo.

Biodegradable, Compostable Unbleached Bagasse Plates

• These plates are made from 100% bagasse, which is the sugarcane fiber remaining after extraction of juice from the sugarcane.  Sugarcane is a readily renewable resource that can be turned into products normally made from plastic or paper, and avoids the pollution from normal burning of sugarcane pulp after juice extraction.  The plates are soak proof, and have no plastic or wax lining applied to it.  They can be used for both hot and cold items, however hot items will cause the plates to “perspire”.  You’ll notice these plates tend to be a natural light brown color.

Starbucks Organic Shade Grown Mexico Coffee

• This light-bodied coffee with bold acidity and a crisp, refreshing finish comes from hundreds of small farms in the Southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Chiapas farmers, in the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, are protecting the biodiversity of the last remaining cloud forest in southern Mexico through organic and traditional shade growing of coffee plants. Starbucks and CI formed a partnership in 1998 to encourage the production of coffee using ecologically sound growing practices that help protect biodiversity, and provide economic opportunities for small farmers.

Oregon Country Natural Beef

• All of our concessions stands serve 1/3 lb Oregon Country Natural Beef Hamburgers.  Our beef is raised from birth on the family ranches of the Country Natural Beef cooperative.  Most of the ranches are located in Oregon, but Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado and Hawaii are also represented.  The cattle are pasture and range raised for approximately 16 months and then go to our gathering lot in Boardman, OR where they are fed a ration of potatoes, corn and alfalfa for approximately 3 months.  To ensure a consistent year around supply of quality cattle, all cattle go through this one gathering lot (it is owned by a member ranch) on their way to Washington Beef.

We Use Zero Trans Fat Fryer Oil And Recycle It

• Starting on January 1, 2007, we began using Mazola ZT Deep Frying Oil.  Mazola ZT is made from a custom blend of corn and sunflower oils. Its unique formula, combined with Mazola ZT’s patented ultra purification process, provides enhanced frying performance versus other zero-trans oils available today.  We recycle all of our fryer oils through Oregon Oils in Portland.

BioTuf Compostable Trash Bags

• These “Tough on Trash, Easy on the Environment” bags are being used in all of our Food Service locations.  They have superior strength, excellent puncture and tear resistance, and most importantly, are 100% biodegradable.

Participation in the Portland Composts! Program

• We’ve participated in this City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development program for the last 2 years.  Our leftovers, kitchen scraps, and food-soiled paper going from our kitchen to your garden.  Our food waste goes to the Metro transfer station in NW Portland, then is transported to a high-tech composting facility where the waste is processed.  Within a few months, it is ready to be blended into a wide variety of compost and soil products.  Compost from the Portland-area businesses is found in Cedar Grove Compost products sold at many Home Depot and Lowe’s stores in the Portland Area. As of October 1, 2007 we have composted 9.28 tons of material.
• For more information about Portland Composts! call 503.823.1376 or visit www.sustainableportland.org

Other Recycling Efforts

• We continue to use green office supplies such as copy paper and file folders that are made from 35% postconsumer recycled fibers.
• We currently recycle our cardboard, paper, glass, plastic, and aluminum.

For more information go to:  www.expocenter.org