Coffee Cups - overuse & abuse

A simple act, but great impact!

How many us wonder where coffee cups we get from coffee shops go? (as estimate 1.5 billion paper cups are used at Starbucks alone, per year) How much do we know about the cups and if its made from recycled paper? Or how many of these cups are even being thrown in recycle bins? Do we ever see recycle bins in coffee shops?

Well, one my friends, did think about it. She noticed that most coffee shops provide 2 cups if you ask for extra hot beverages. Yes, 2 cups! The one in the bottom is practically unused and thrown away by most people, a lot of them do not even notice the extra cup. She made it a point to collect these cups and return them for reuse. What a thoughtful way, and a simple act, yes powerful message to most of the onlookers at the store. In fact, this thoughtful person will soon be joining us to contribute to Stay Green today and share some valuable thoughts on leading a green life!

So few things we can do TODAY when we pick up that cup of Jo.
GREEN WAYS to enjoy a cup of COFFEE !

• Try to use reusable coffee mugs (there are tons of options out there.. and most are dishwasher friendly too)
• Sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee - like french people do (you will barely find to-go stuff in the city of Paris) and this will totally avoid use of to-go cups and the plastic lids. Hey, slowdown once in a while. Most coffee shops offer ceramic / porcelain cups if you sit down.
• If you still need to use the to-go cup, make sure you recycle them.
• If you buy a hot beverage - use the little sleeve and avoid using a second cup. The seleeves are mostly made from from recycled paper.
• Choose coffee shops that have a recycle bin, or choose coffee shops that use recycled paper to make their cups.
• Do not take more than one or two napkins. If you spill a lot of coffee, even a hundred napkins are not going to help. For practical reasons, a few drops of spill, just one napkin will do just fine.
• Use the sugar dispenser and avoid the packaged paper wrapped sugar. Do not open more than you need.
  
  Interesting reads:
  
  Starbucks recycle information
  
  Eco-tip: Coffee cups - Treehugger