Do we really need Starbucks on campus? UWE is based in Bristol – a city overflowing with some of the best independent, ethical coffee roasters in the UK. Yet, our main provider is a multinational company known for:
Funding the Israeli state and military responsible for the deaths of 60,000+ Palestinian civilians since October 2024
Extreme greenwashing and a poor sustainability record
Supply chain abuses including links to slave labour
And let’s be honest… bad coffee
As UWE students, we deserve better. Many of us don’t want our daily coffee to come at the expense of human rights, environmental justice, or local business.
This proposal is simple:
👉 Remove Starbucks cafés and products from all UWE campuses
👉 Replace them with independent, local, and ethical coffee providers that reflect Bristol’s culture and values
The SU Shop has already taken positive steps by stocking Jimmy’s Iced Coffee (an independent, transparent brand) after student feedback. This shows change is possible if we demand it. Now we can go further.
By voting for this motion, you’re voting for:
✨ Higher-quality coffee on campus
✨ Real sustainability (not greenwashing) ✨ Standing against companies complicit in genocide and exploitation ✨ Supporting Bristol’s incredible independent businesses
Let’s prove that “students prefer Starbucks” (as per my last email from Student Union decision makers) is not the only narrative. Together, we can set a precedent for ethical, student-driven choices across all UWE campuses.