Background

At the caf, Barry and Mandy sit down to have a coffee, where he immediately launches into the project he is thinking about.

"I am thinking about promoting reusable coffee cups amongst our customers. There is a community group that is looking at the environmental issues. And what I am concerned about is the disposable coffee cups. Maybe, getting people to use those reusable coffee cups for takeaways. We could do it with our name on it, and we could give a discount if they use them. What do you reckon? I think this will be exciting, it will make the Copacabana Cuppasthe best in the world."

Mandy says, "Ok Barry, I know you are brilliant, and you have great ideas, one thing I have found is that reusable cups are not as good as you think they are."

Barry is surprised by this, "Where did you get this information? What I have found states that they are good, look at what Starbucks is doing, see" he points to their website. He continues, "Plus we can be part of the responsible cafes and show our Corporate Social Responsibility."

"Yes, I know" says Mandy, "but perhaps you should have a look at the other side of the argument", indicating on her iPad to Barry recent stories in The Conversation and on the ABC News.

Barry says "OK, I need to look at both sides, because I need to focus on who are my clients now, but more importantly in the future? What do they want, so that I can match their expectations?"

Task

The essay should evaluate the two sides of the discussion and then conclude with a clear and well-justified recommendation on whether Barry should adopt reusable coffee cups for his business.

Barry has given you a list of websites, but you know you will need to go beyond this to get the information required. You remember that Barry has said "Just try to keep it short, I don't have much time to read, about 1000 or so words. Just look at both sides and tell me what will work and why, you know, how it will help Copacabana Cuppas."

Barry's List

Australian Bureau of Statistics https://www.abs.gov.au

Profile of the Central Coast https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/business/opportunities-and-investment/profilecentral-coast

Starbuck website https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/global-report/environmentalstewardship/reusable-cups

Responsible Cafes https://responsiblecafes.org

The Conversation http://theconversation.com/why-your-reusable-coffee-cup-may-be-no-better-than-adisposable-120949

ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/life/what-will-really-help-the-environment-is-changing-ourhabits/10867676

In the essay you must:

1. a succinct introduction;

2. critically evaluate both sides of the discussion; and

3. conclude with a well-justified recommendation(s).

Critical thinking is a key component of the exercise and we are looking for originality of thought. In so doing, you must draw on additional research from other reliable English language sources, especially peer-reviewed academic journal articles and, if applicable, relevant industry, government and non-government publications. You can find the Library's guide to finding business related research here.

I'd like to recommand adopting reusable coffee cups. Can I write its drawbbacks as concession and focus more on its benefits? Or should I evaluate the two sides equally?

As for recommendation, can I write it about how to adopt reusable cups successfully? Or just on whether adopt reusable cups or not.