There are no exact statistics, but it is estimated that 500 billion disposable coffee cups per year are produced in the world today. To have an idea, if we make a straight line with all these cups one after another, we could go around the world 1,360 times!
The model "takeaway" or "coffee to go" in disposable cups, is undoubtedly necessary and an important source of income for coffee shops, but we must be aware of its silent and unprecedented impact on the environment.
What it looks like a simple "paper or cardboard" cup, also contains a plastic lamina produced on the basis of petrol (polyethylene), which makes these containers more resistant and able to contain liquid. The problem is that the production of these disposable cups entails four fundamental problems: 1.- The indiscriminate felling of trees to produce cellulose and paper; 2.- Chemicals are emitted in the environment to produce plastic; 3.- Non-clean energy is used for transportation; 4.- The waste generated ends up in landfills or directly in our oceans, and it will take more than 50-100 years to breakdown.
Another necessary evil of the industry, are the GrainPro, Ecotact, Vacuum bags. Although its impact is not comparable to that of disposable cups by volume, we would like to know your experience in the use, reuse and recycling of this form of packaging so common today.
We believe that the specialty coffee industry should address these problems today, and seek solutions together. A very interesting solution that we have seen, is the incentive of reduced prices to customers who bring their own mug to order their takeaway. Small changes like this can help building a more loyal clientele and spread green awareness.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!
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