Starbucks, being one of the world's most renowned coffee companies sets the example for and standards of most other companies within the industry. That being said, their negligible practices of inspecting their coffee plantations have led to instances of men, women, and children being worked under slave-like conditions. As consumers of this company as well as other coffee products, we must acknowledge this dark truth about the industry and maintain active judgment in our purchases of coffee products. One must take heed to note the sustainability and ethicality of these sources as everyone has a right to fair labor and the chance to live a good life not afflicted by slavery. The life and dignity of another human person are not equivalent to a $5 cup of coffee.  

Starbucks should increase the frequency with which they conduct investigations on coffee plantations in order to perceive whether they are truly keeping up with the C.A.F.E. regulations on ethical and sustainable practices. If Starbucks were to do this, the cases of slave/child labor on plantations associated with the company would decrease substantially as those who do not follow the regulations would be ousted as unethical and lose the support of the company and most likely that of other companies within the industry.