by Drew Beal
Did you might have a cup of espresso yesterday? If you happen to’re an American over the age of 18, then the reply might be ‘sure.’ That’s as a result of 54% of adults drink espresso every single day on this nation [1]. That is fully comprehensible: it’s scrumptious, it wakes us up, and we’re completely addicted.
Right here’s one other query: did you employ a paper cup yesterday? If you happen to visited a espresso store, then the reply is overwhelmingly a possible ‘sure.’ That’s as a result of 98% of drinks served at espresso outlets are served in single-use disposable cups. Full disclosure: that’s the proportion of drinks that Starbucks serves in disposable cups.
Positive, your native espresso store might need a better reusable fee (proportion of drinks served in reusable cups) than Starbucks (1.8%), however in my expertise as Chief Environmental Optimist of Kill the Cup, not often do I discover a café that eclipses the 5% mark.
Let’s evaluate the numbers once more: Greater than half of individuals drink espresso every day, and fewer than 1 in 50 carry a reusable cup. That’s fairly miserable.
In whole, 158 million paper cups are used each single day. That appears fairly inefficient. With espresso consumption anticipated to extend by 25% over the following 5 years, it’s crucial that we cut back our reliance on single-use disposables [3].
That’s what we’re engaged on at Kill the Cup.
Our objective is to develop a community of cafés and occasional drinkers who assist the reusable motion. We wish to cut back waste from paper cups, interact espresso drinkers in a enjoyable means, and enhance the efficiency of taking part espresso outlets.
To boost consciousness amongst espresso drinkers this Earth Day, we’re difficult 22,000 folks to take the Earth Day Pledge to hold a reusable cup on April 22. Members can signal the pledge by visiting KillTheCup and coming into their e mail deal with. Reminders will likely be despatched out within the days main as much as Earth Day, April 22.
And with out additional ado, listed here are 3 ways you may “Kill the Cup” this Earth Day (and every single day…)
#1 Carry a Reusable Cup
This one is clear. Be a part of Kill the Cup Nation and take the Earth Day Pledge to hold a reusable on April 22. As an additional advantage, many outlets will provide you with a worth low cost for bringing your individual cup.
Maintain your head excessive as you stroll round together with your private mug. If you happen to see a fellow espresso drinker with a reusable cup, elevate it as an indication of respect. You’re saving the world one cup at a time.
#2 Brew Your Personal Espresso
I’ve been specializing in espresso outlets, however many people drink espresso at house. If you happen to do, cut back your carbon footprint by making your individual espresso.
Single-serve pods harm the setting. In 2013, Inexperienced Mountain produced 8.3 billion Ok-Cups, sufficient to wrap across the equator 10.5 instances. If you happen to nonetheless wish to brew together with your Keurig there are actually reusable Ok-Cup choices such because the Ekobrew.
The identical goes for individuals who drink espresso on the workplace. Take one for the workforce and brew a pot on your colleagues. After which inform the boss he owes you lunch.
#3 Assist Your Native Espresso Store
Unbiased espresso roasters are performing some fairly wonderful issues — assist your native economic system by visiting a brand new espresso store this Earth Day. If you happen to’re already an everyday at your neighborhood spot, invite a good friend or colleague to affix you.
It’s seemingly that your native store purchases merchandise from near house, so that you’ll even be slicing down on the fossil gasoline required to convey you your every day cup o’ joe.
Assets
KillTheCup – Searching for 22,000 folks to hold a reusable on April 22. (website down as of August 2016)
Earth Day – Wikipedia Web page.
INeedCoffee Brewing Information – Discover ways to make espresso at house.
References
[1] 54% of Individuals drink espresso every single day (website down)
[2] Starbucks 1.8% reusable fee (JULY 2024: web page faraway from starbucks.com)
[3] Espresso consumption 25% improve over 5 years (WSJ.com now behind a paywall)
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