Why put myself through the perceived difficulties of bringing my own tumbler everywhere I go?
(If you want to skip my rambling, check out this quick video for a few compelling reasons…)
Discovered via Sustainability is Sexy
The answer’s plain and simple: a majority of paper cups can’t be recycled.
The ones from most coffee shops, that is.
I’ll use Starbucks as an example, only because it’s the mammoth leader, the monstrous giant, the one company known the whole world round for coffee.
Currently, Starbucks paper cups are made from 10% post-consumer recycled fiber. That, however, does NOT mean the cup can be recycled. Yet. There apparently are plans to introduce a cup by 2015 that will be 100% reusable. But until then, off to the landfill they go.
True, there are some chains, like Tully’s, that offer 100% compostable paper cups. Trouble is, they should actually be composted to be broken down most effectively. Otherwise, these cups are off to the landfill as well.
Here’s a really great resource on all things related to (in the blogger’s words) ‘eco-friendly coffee drinking’: Sustainability is Sexy. This linked article delves way deeper than I ever could into the current state of the paper coffee cup. Check it out… I mean, how could you not? Just the blog title’s enticing.
So when it comes to paper cups, since recycling’s not an option and reusing just isn’t practical, reducing (eliminating actually) will be the way to go.
Bought a tumbler and am pretty darn excited to use it. Feature to come on the next blog post. And don’t you worry. I’ve stayed true to my promise and haven’t purchased coffee-to-go since announcing this commitment...
Home-brewing instead.
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