Soon you may be able to get a greener cup of over-priced coffee. Starbucks has set several eco-friendly goals and all new, company-owned stores will aim to earn LEED certification starting in 2010. The new stores will be 25 percent more energy efficient with 50 percent of their power coming from renewable resources. Long term (by 2015), Starbucks plans to swap incandescent bulbs for LED bulbs and transition to a cup supply that is 100 percent reusable or recyclable. Until then bring your own refillable cup to help save the earth and save yourself 10 cents.

These days, Starbucks closes more stores than it opens, but they want their new ones to feel more like a unique neighborhood coffee shop than a chain. Not only will they have a vibe that reflects the location, they’ll also feature local materials and recruit skilled local craftsmen to get the job done. Choosing local means less energy is needed since materials won’t have to be shipping cross-country or cross-continent.

The first store of this kind opened in March in Seattle. The store has a more rustic feel. Cabinets were made using fallen trees from the area, the coffee bar includes scrap leather from local automobile and shoe factories and there’s a long community-style table pulled from a nearby restaurant. This month, another eco Starbucks opened in Paris Disney Village featuring recycled cell phone parts and reclaimed Champagne racks. Yesterday, another Seattle store opened with cabinets and fixtures made of reclaimed wooden school bleachers.

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