The world is full of caffeine addicts who can’t go without their daily tea or coffee. In the U.K. more than seventy thousand disposable coffee cups are used every day, that equals approximately 2.5 billion each year. In Australia it’s 1 billion per year, and in the U.S. it’s a whopping 50 billion.
What’s the total? An estimated 500 billion paper cups are used each year, world wide.
How many cups of hot beverages do you drink out of disposable cups per week? Did you realise those paper cups are not recyclable? They contain a polyethylene coating, which stops them from leaking and turning into a soggy mess. It also prevents them from breaking down into a reusable material. This often comes as a surprise. A 2011 U.K. report revealed 8 out of 11 consumers thought their cups could be disposed of in recycling bins.
Biodegradable and recyclable cups do exist, but they are not always available. Approximately 1 out of every 400 disposable cups are able to be recycled.
Instead, most paper cups end up in landfills. In Australia, that means 60,000 kilograms of plastic waste each year.
So, what can you do to save the world? You can buy a keep cup.
What’s a keep cup?
A keep cup is a reusable coffee cup that can be taken with you every time you buy tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or even mulled wine. Then you can rinse it out and use it again and again.
To make the transition easier for you, we’ve sourced a few keep cups for you to choose from.
These cups are stylish, made of glass and come in a variety of colors. They are lightweight, BPA free and microwave safe. Joco Cups come in three different size (8, 12 and 16oz) and contain a thermal silicone sleeve, to contain all the warmth that makes your drink delicious. Prices start at $24.95.
These cups can be made out of glass or light-weight plastic. They come in a variety of bright colours and styles, including star wars and sports themes. KeepCup’s come in five different sizes (4, 6, 8, 12 and 16oz). All cups are BPA free, dishwasher safe, and come with a one year warranty. Prices start at $14.
Looking more like your typical disposable cup, these are made from silicone and can withstand 200 degree celsius heat. They are firm and flexible, making them extremely difficult to break. BYOcup’s hold 340ml and come in white, black or green. Prices start at £9.95