Here is the problem:
People like convenience -> Convenience leads to using a to-go cup -> using a to-go cup leads to it being thrown in the trash -> the cup thrown in the trash leads to more waste in our landfills -> more waste = bad news.
Check this out:
The Waste:
-Our single use paper cups are often times lined with plastic, which then as a result is not recyclable.
-Each cup is responsible for 0.24 lbs of C02 gas emission
-Each daily coffee drinker could potentially create 23 lbs of coffee cup waste per year!
Here is the solution:
Drink coffee from a mug
It sounds strange; I get it. However, it could just maybe save the planet a whole lot-a-bit.
Also: Better Flavor in a Mug
In going for convenience we miss the most important part of coffee; the coffee. Our paper cups are actually ever so slightly tainting the flavor of the coffee. When drinking out of paper you actually in turn get a small taste of paper in each sip.
Stop drinking your cup and start drinking coffee.
HEY! Not only can you eliminate cup waste, you can eliminate filter waste by using a reusable one! CHECK OUT: Above Average Coffee’s Guide to Coffee Filters
Cheers!
Pssst….Maybe you should just get a mug from your LOCAL COFFEE SHOP!
Or brew your own??
Great post 😁
Appreciate the note!
Never thought that paper cups might change the taste a bit. Nevermind the waste.
It certainly does. Small particles of the paper wear off into the cup. If you need to use paper, try at least rinsing it out once and then don’t let the drink sit for too long!
Perhaps you are also drinking some of the plastic in the lining? I just learnt recently that many teabags have a plastic content. it encouraged me to use loose leaf tea. I have to say I have never used a disposable cup – seems such a strange idea!
Yes! You are certainly right. You also get a faint plastic taste! And yes as well! loose leaf tea is a much better route to go!
Much prefer using a mug! (or my own travel cup) Slowly but surely changes will come.
Agreed!
Reblogged this on On Getting There and commented:
I always preach about drinking coffee from a mug because it tastes better in a mug and you focus on the quality of your coffee if you’re not drinking it on the go.
Thanks for sharing! I totally agree. Our culture is so busy; and in turn, we miss out on some key experiences. Coffee is one of those key experiences that often gets affected.
Excellent idea. Drinking from a mug is the responsible action to take.
Yes- agreed!
My family laughs at my devotion to my travel mug. It’s like a favored pair of jeans, a reliable old car, or the cheerful tail wag from a not to young dog. It’s familiar and part of my good life.
I am the same way. My face turns pale if I ever forget it or misplace it…
I have bought a keep cup and always have it with me 😁
Good. Good. Good. Spread the word 🙂
Love this post! I prefer my coffee out of a mug too. It tastes much better, and it enhances the whole experience.
Exactly!
Great article. Unfortunately, we have to figure out a way to get people to make an valid attempt to solve the issue. It all comes down to convenience and the ease of getting a new cup each time because the trash issue is someone else’s problem. It’s the same as going green. We all want to be a part of it but none of us want to pay for it. To compound the problem, the amount of plastic k-cups that get thrown into landfills is horrifying and more expensive that good coffee with a reusable filter. How do we get people to make the change?
Well–I don’t exactly know the whole answer, however, I do say it starts with making them realize how big the problem is. People make fun of “awareness” as a strategy for change, however, I do believe that is the first step!
Yes! Yes! Yes!😃
Waitrose in UK supplies free coffee to shoppers but has changed their policy by requiring us to bring our own mugs if we want their delicious coffee.
We also pay about 7 cents for each plastic bag we use at checkout – this is about to rise to 14 cents a bag. Obviously everybody is switching their own bags when they go shopping.
A little monetary persuasion can help to achieve big results.
That is really interesting! I think that is a very good idea for a retail store. I wonder how coffee shops can continue to use this idea. I have seen many “Bring Your Own Mug” Discounts
Great advice. Whenever I go to my local cafe’s to write (while drinking coffee – or drink coffee while writing?) anyway, I always ask for a MUG. It just feels better and tastes better. I only get a to-go cup if I’m actually in the drive thru. I should invest in something that I can hand the barista and have them make the drink in the stainless steel to-go cup. Don’t know why I didn’t think about that before. Would help prevent a lot of spill-overs from my coffee mug while driving! Enjoy your blog. I’m a coffee lover, so always looking for coffee-blogs. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the feedback! I am the same way! I always bring my mug and then spill it all over me the way home….haha…but it is so worth it!!
I love drinking from a mug, but it never seems to sit just right in the car holder thingy! Making left turns is always tricky.
Yes! I can agree with that! Travel mugs with lids are quite nice!
love this. Totally pro mug
Glad you are on board!