SEATTLE – June 21, 2012 - This July 5, Starbucks will team up with the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and CleanScapes, for the third annual 5th of July Lake Union Cleanup. Since 2010, more than 1500 volunteers have collected 2.8 tons of garbage on and around Lake Union, diverting 2.2 of the total waste from landfills to be recycled.

“At Starbucks, we believe in being good neighbors and we’re always ready to roll up our sleeves,” said Clarice Turner, senior vice president, US Business, North Division. “The Family 4th at Lake Union fireworks show has become a cherished local event that unites the community and we hope to inspire our friends and neighbors to join us in service on the 5th of July.”

Starbucks invites Seattle neighbors and fireworks fans to join together for a day of community service on July 5th, in an effort to remove trash from the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Union following the Family 4th festivities. All collected garbage, compostables, and recycling will be managed by CleanScapes. Puget Soundkeeper Alliance – which cleans up area lakes, rivers and the Sound all year – will coordinate removal of lake debris via kayaks as they have since 1996.

The 5th of July Lake Union Cleanup is part of Starbucks commitment to help local communities thrive. Most recently, as part of Starbucks second annual global month of service this past April, the company provided more than 2,000 hands on service projects that contributed over 230,00 house of service to local communities around the world.  In Seattle, more than 550 hours of service were preformed across a number of meaningful projects that included painting murals, landscaping, making fleece blankets and assembling first aid and outreach kits for local families.

EVENT DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
On Thursday, July 5th, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., volunteers will help clean up the neighborhoods around the lake after the Family 4th at Lake Union festivities. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. at two locations around Lake Union. Starbucks will be treating volunteers to pastries and of course, coffee. Volunteers will also receive a commemorative 5th of July Lake Union Cleanup t-shirt (while supplies last). Volunteer meet up locations include:

Volunteers are encouraged to register prior to the event at: http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/community/community-service/seattle-july-5.