Plastic Free Challenge: Day 5

Coffee Cups

(Photo credit: #hugthemug campaign)

It’s time to give up the single-use coffee cup.

Did you know that most disposable coffee cups are not recyclable? Even Starbucks, who lines their cups with a layer of plastic. This isn’t news, coffee distributors have been doing this for decades.

Check out: The Truth About Recycling Coffee Cups – Hugh’s War on Waste: Episode 3 Preview – BBC One:

Dunkin Donuts is one of the worst offenders, still serving their hot beverages in toxic Stryfofoam (polystyrene) cups. This year, Dunkies announced that they will be eliminating all polystyrene cups by 2020. But what does that mean, exactly? It means they will stop producing more, but will still distribute the ones they have until they are out. These cups are toxic to humans, to the environment, and are not recyclable. Dunkin Donuts pledge.

Wait, what about coffee pods?

Catching up quickly in the environmentally unfriendly department, Keurig and single-use coffee pods are MASSIVE contributors to landfill and global warming. If you have to use Keurig machines, invest in a reusable coffee pod and fill your own cups.

Fact: All of the K-Cups sold in 2013 could wrap around the world 10.5 times – (Source: RelevanSea)
Here’s a deeper look at the coffee pod epidemic:

Keurig: Small, efficient, and destroying our planet one cup at a time.

But there’s a solution!

B.Y.O.Mug!

That is, Bring Your Own Mug.

Most coffee establishments are happy to fill your personal mug or travel container, as long as it’s clean!!! In fact, many establishments will even give you a discount.

Find a unique mug that suits your coffee needs at your local second-hand store. They are up to their EARS in coffee mugs, usually for less than a dollar!

If you must buy something new, make sure you’re purchasing from an eco-friendly company, you know, the companies that just *get it.*

EuropeanCoffeeTrip.com has a great list of sustainable coffee cups, check it out!

Or, to be even MORE cost effective and energy efficient, make your own coffee at home! Bring it with your in a Klean Kanteen or mason jar to go.

#hugthemug