Stats are in: Students don’t need any more cup o’ joes

Andrew Stiffler

Sacramento State is getting yet another Java City. Yes, one more location for all those caffeine addicted junkies to get their fix.

Okay, maybe it isn’t fair to call them junkies, but really, do we need another Java City? I find it interesting how local organizations, with the support of the community, are making efforts to remove soda machines from schools, yet we are getting more coffee vendors.

The new Java City has plans to build a new location along the library’s breezeway. The plans are slated to be open by the end of this fall semester. Once this location is complete on campus we will have a total of four Java Citys.

There are already disputes over whether books or electronics could be damaged in the library due to students bringing in their drinks, but what about the problems that coffee addiction causes?

Studies have shown that 50 percent of the US population consumes at least two cups of coffee a day. Of that 50 percent, 25 percent consume five cups a day and another 25 percent ten cups a day. With all this coffee consumption, the negative factors of such an addiction become prevalent. Studies document that coffee can cause an increased chance of ulcers, as well as an increase of panic attacks. Compound that with the already stressful schedules that students have, and it’s just a problem waiting to happen.

Many students consume coffee or caffeinated drinks to give them a boost to make it through the day. But what many don’t understand is that excessive consumption of coffee causes exhaustion. It’s a vicious cycle, and many live it every day.

Now that Sac State will have a 4th location for this drug, it is up to students to decide where they want to buy their hot cup of Joe, or their sweet caramel macchiato.

To accompany the adverse effects of coffee and caffeine, there are the prices. Many drinks offered at Java City, and other popular coffee chains, cost about four dollars a pop, while a soda around that same size costs only 75 cents.

I find it ironic that we as Americans complain about three dollars per gallon gas prices, yet those same Americans and students are paying nearly $32 for a gallon of coffee (at $3 per 12-oz. serving). For most students, $32 is more than enough for a whole tank of gas.

Some of these results may be surprising; they sure did surprise me once I sat down and did the math. But whether or not you are a coffee drinker, soda consumer or caffeine addict, the verdict is in: it’s okay every now and then, but addiction can cause many health and financial problems. Students should ask themselves with the news of this fourth Java City, do they really need it?Andrew Stiffler can be reached at [email protected]