Starbucks, the global coffee giant renowned for its sustainability efforts, is under fire for its decision to allow its incoming CEO, Brian Niccol, to commute via a private jet from his home in California to the company's headquarters in Seattle. The move has sparked criticism and accusations of hypocrisy, as Starbucks has been actively promoting its environmental initiatives, including the ban on plastic straws.

In the offer letter to Niccol, Starbucks stated that he would not be required to relocate to the company's headquarters, but instead commute from his residence to Seattle as necessary to fulfill his responsibilities. A company spokesperson clarified that Niccol would be expected to work from the Seattle office at least three days a week, in line with Starbucks' hybrid work policies.

To accommodate Niccol's commute, Starbucks has offered him a small remote office in Newport Beach and has agreed to cover the expenses associated with maintaining the office. Additionally, he has been granted the choice of an assistant to support his work in the remote location.

However, news of Niccol's super commute has triggered a backlash, with critics pointing out the apparent contradiction between Starbucks' sustainability goals and the use of private jets. Social media users wasted no time expressing their concerns, suggesting that the company's environmental branding was undermined by allowing such a high-pollution method of transportation.

"Ironically, the new Starbucks CEO is 'supercommuting' from his California home to Seattle on a private jet, while the company discourages the use of plastic straws. Such hypocrisy!" wrote one user on a social media platform.

Others also voiced their disapproval, emphasizing that a company claiming to care about climate change should not endorse practices that contribute significantly to carbon emissions. They argued that private jets and corporate travel are far more damaging to the environment compared to individual car use.

According to a report by Oxfam, the carbon footprint of the wealthiest 0.1% - which includes the use of private jets and superyachts - is a staggering 77 times higher than the upper limit required to keep global warming at 1.5°C. Furthermore, a 2021 report by the European Federation for Transport and Environment revealed that private jets are up to 14 times more polluting per passenger than commercial planes and 50 times more polluting than trains.

Starbucks has yet to respond to the mounting criticism. The Guardian has reached out to the company for comment on the matter. As the company faces this environmental backlash, it remains to be seen how it will address the concerns raised and whether it will take actions to align its CEO's commute choices with its sustainability commitments.