Do you use a travel mug? Do you have one but often forget to bring it? How often do you find yourself holding a disposable cup? This simple action of choosing to use a reusable mug versus a disposal cup makes a significant difference in waste reduction. I was in our local Starbucks and inquired as to how frequently the staff had to empty the garbage cans. Every other hour with the vast majority of waste being to-go cups!
Most one-time use cups are manufactured with 100% bleached virgin paper. The estimate of how many disposable cups we use each year is in the billions! These disposable cups affect the environment negatively. Beside creating a steady supply of waste, they also demand a large consumption of natural resources and emit high levels of climate-changing green house gases. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Waste, natural resources and damage done by greenhouse gases are all decreased by reusable cups after only 24 uses! View this quick clip for a visual incentive.
Travel mugs and reusable shopping bags are two key items that are handy to always have stocked in your vehicle or daily bag. Once you invite a reusable cup into your habits you’ll never look back. Not only will you feel empowered in contributing to the zero waste movement, you’re beverage will stay warmer and most cafes often have a discount when you provide your own mug.
Drink responsibly. Bring a cup.
