Whilst single-use containers and cups are very convenient for our day-to-day rituals such as buying a takeaway cup of coffee, it doesn't serve any other purpose but a cheap and quick solution for all things on the go.
When it comes to the environment, there are countless factors that contribute to impactful waste. Since the industrial revolution, the world has been mass-producing plastic single-use goods to cater to universal needs and wants. In this article, we thoroughly uncover the power of the reusable cup and its benefits associated with our green steps.
Why using a reusable coffee cup is the right thing to do
Reusable coffee cups are a trending alternative to single-use takeaway cups, in fact, they are becoming a part of our everyday lives which will soon be second nature to our daily buying habits.
When it comes to buying our morning coffee we don't realise the ramifications that compound on a mass scale. We don’t consciously think about what our behaviours do from a negative standpoint.
So what does this really mean? Well, for every takeaway purchase we make, we do more harm than good. Most take away items, including containers, cup holders, cutlery and disposable coffee cups etc, are either made up of plastic or cardboard/paper that is lined with a particular plastic that is complex to reuse and/or breakdown.
Single-use coffee cups in particular, are made up of both plastic and cardboard making it virtually impossible to recycle and as a consequence, it ends up in general waste which in essence goes to landfill. To top it off, there are some instances where cups do not end up in the bin and end making their way into waterways causing environmental pollution and contamination.
This leads to the big question “Are the use of reusable coffee cups in Australia (or globally) the right thing to do?” In simple terms, yes. In fact, it’s not just coffee cups that we should make conscious decisions about, it’s most items that are for the purpose of takeaway.
Key takeaway points:
- Paper cups are lined with plastic and are in fact not recyclable and do not get recycled
- Using a reusable coffee cup helps reduce unnecessary waste
- The choice is up to the consumer but can help keep a clear mind
What can you do to help reduce the number of disposable cups?
Figuring out how to adopt new and improved change into your life doesn't just happen instantly, it takes time and a certain amount of influence. If you are thinking about being a part of the reuse revolution and want to help contribute to the destruction of our planet earth, then the best way to start is with self-awareness.
- What is your main reason for making the switch from single-use to reusable?
- What daily habits will you have to develop to make it possible?
I.e. If you go to your local cafe every morning before work to order your takeaway coffee and you’re on the go, then you could start by calculating the number of takeaway coffees you consume on a monthly and/or yearly basis. From there you can then identify what just one person like yourself consumes and how many cups you have thrown into the bin. Based on your own little assessment, you can then decide what would be the right measure to take and whether you are comfortable with bringing your own reusable cup.
The solution in a nutshell
Together we can all make a difference by following simple rituals into our everyday lives. The following is a brief overview of how to solve this global problem;
- Avoid ordering a takeaway coffee if you don’t have a reusable cup with you.
- Bring your own reusable cup/mug with you everywhere you go.
- Ask the barista to have a lid-less takeaway coffee if you don’t have a cup with you.
- Be aware of recycling items as best as possible.
- Pick a cup that suits your lifestyle (Glass, ceramic, collapsible)
- Encourage others to be a part of the movement
3 influential reasons to use a reusable cup
According to the University of Melbourne, it’s estimated that Australians use 1 billion disposable coffee cups each year. That roughly equates to 2,700,000 paper cups being thrown out every day! Making the switch may not eliminate the use of paper cups, but it will dramatically reduce this disturbing number.
Although most single-use items end up in the bin, there is still a large number that does not get thrown out and as a result, they linger on the streets, garden beds and run straight into our waterways. In fact, It’s estimated that cups are the second-largest contributor to litter after plastic bottles. This means that we are unknowingly contributing to litre by our daily rituals.
Whilst reusable coffee cups are labelled for the purpose of takeaway coffee, you can still adopt the same methodology with other single-use purchases, such as; takeaway gelato, juice yogurt and the like. Not only do reusable cups serve commercial purposes but they can be used for home uses also.
Key facts that may surprise you:
- Most plastic items are used for the purpose of one-time use.
- Paper cups contain approximately 5-7% polyurethane plastic, making it virtually impossible to be recycled.
- Clean Up Australia volunteers report that over 10% of rubbish they identify as paper is coffee cups.
- A study done by BioPak states that approximately 60,000 kg of plastic per annum is from 90% of single-use beverages.
What are cafes doing to support this issue?
Cafes are starting to notice the use of reusable cups (aka “bring your own cup”) and are offering more sustainable alternatives for their single-use items. With growing numbers of cafes adopting eco-friendly change, some cafe’s are now applying stringent rules such as, ‘no takeaway coffees unless you have your own cup’. In some cases there are swap and go systems for ceramic-like cups.
Find a responsible cafe near you
Need an incentive to get you over the line? Find out which cafes are offering discounts when you choose to reuse.
Visit Here: https://responsiblecafes.org/map/
Which type of reusable coffee cup is right for you?
Different reusable cups will serve different needs and with a range of these different cups on the market, it’s quite tough to choose the right one. A majority of reusable cups on the market are within a very competitive price vicinity of $25-$45 AUD. With that said, price isn't everything, convenience and practicality play a critical role when it comes to using your own cup for ordering your takeaway coffee.
3 core factors to select the best cup
Leaving your choice up to subjectivity may not be the most effective approach when finding your “best reusable coffee cup”. When it comes to picking a product for the sole purpose of practicality, efficiency and functionality, you will need to look at the bigger picture and think objectively. There are a few things to consider and these include:
Material: The consensus is that you need to identify what your preference is when it comes to drinking coffee. You will find that most reusable cups come in a variety of the following;
- Silicon
- Plastic
- Glass
- Cork
- Bamboo
- Rice
- Aluminium
Below you will find a breakdown of the pros and cons of the available materials.
Lifestyle: When it comes to getting the most out of your reusable cup investment, you will need to factor in ‘what will make my life easier’. You can start by looking into the following;
- Is it going to be easy to carry around?
- Am I a klutz and drop things all the time?
- Is it going to be dishwasher safe?
- Will the cup fit in my vehicle cup holder?
- Will it fit in my work bag?
- Is it hard to clean?
Size: Your preference for coffee should help you identify which kind of measurements you are looking for in a reusable cup. For example, Piccolo drinkers typically don't need a large cup, whereas latte and cappuccino drinkers need sizes between 250ml - 350ml (standard/regular ordering sizes).
Collapsible (Aka ‘The Traveller’)
Designed for the ultimate practicality, the collapsible cup is a wonder for convenience. Build to sustain an active lifestyle when you're constantly on the go, this type of cup won't let you down. Made from food-grade silicone, it’s quite durable, safe and long-lasting. Additionally, it’s easy to clean and disassemble, making it your ideal time saver. The Go Sip collapsible cup for example, really sets the benchmark for practicality as it’s fully leak-proof, can collapse into a small puck-lick shape allowing you to carry with ease when you are on the move.
Pros:
- Highly practical
- Versatile for a range of uses
- Easy to clean and wash
- Easy to disassemble
- Durable
- Safe to reuse
- Leak-proof
- Non-slip
- Can carry anywhere
Cons:
- Heat can escape easily
Ceramic (Pottery)
These types of cups are generally hand-made and throw off a very nice rustic look and feel. Beautifully designed and created for looks and heat contraption, however, are not suitable for busy on-the-goers as they are very fragile, bulky and vulnerable to leakage. A cup made of ceramic material is great for casual visits to your local cafe.
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- Easy to clean and wash
- Safe to drink from
Cons:
- Can break easily
- Very big to carry around
- Hard to store in bag
Glass
Using a glass cup can be somewhat practical but like the ceramic style cup, they are vulnerable to breaking and or/cracking. Whilst they are a popular style of cup, they can be used for many different purposes as well. Great for keeping the heat in, most of them have a tightly sealed plastic lid and silicone/rubber heat sleeve.
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- Easy to clean and wash
- Safe to drink from
Cons:
- Can break and crack easily
- Very big to carry around
- Hard to store in bag
- Scratches easily
HACK: Keep a bunch of reusable cups stashed
Whether you are a white or blue-collar worker, there are ways to make it easier for you to always bring your own cup. For example, if you are an office worker (White collar) you can stash a few cups in your office draw and if you are a tradesman (Blue collar) you can keep a bunch in your vehicle.
Creating convenience is the easiest way to support the big cause which is ultimately what reshapes our daily habits.