Every day, millions of people across the globe drink coffee — to wake up in the mellow hours of the morning, or to bolster themselves to slog through an interminably long, lethargic day. Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages for many, and with so many coffee shops and cafes all around, it becomes really simple to grab a quick cup of coffee from somewhere nearby. But did you ever think about the impact that cafe-to-go cups and lids have on our environment? That is an important thing to consider, because it gives us perspective on how we can affect this Earth.
Hexagonal shape: Another great benefit of the is that these kind of products greatly support our planet. But most of these cups are made of paper, and paper is made of trees. Trees are very important for our ecosystem(the community of living things including plants animals,) What we breathe is oxygen and what they breathe is carbon dioxide, which is a gas that can cause damage in a large quantity. Trees also provide shelter and food for many animals and birds. This damage is not limited to the trees we fell but also extends to the animals that reside in them and our air quality which we depend on.
Also, many disposable coffee cups and lids are not always recyclable. When you recycle: Recycling is when you convert old elements into new elements that are positive to the environment. But even if a few cups are recyclable, the recycling process itself requires energy and resources, which can also have a detrimental effect on the environment. If thrown away, and sent to a landfill, such cups can take a long time — decades even — to break down, degrade and decompose. And all this is not great for the planet, especially as it contributes to the waste crisis we are already facing.
So, what are alternative to paper cup use? An excellent option is to carry your own reusable coffee mug or thermos. It is now common for coffee shops to give discounts when you bring your cup, so that also helps to save money. This means by making a small decision to use a reusable cup, not only are we helping the environment, we are, at the same time, saving some cash! These can be done in durable materials, such as stainless steel or glass, that can be used multiple times through their life cycle without breaking or deteriorating easily.
If you are in a coffee shop, another wise thing to do is ask for your drink in a ceramic mug or glass rather than a disposable coffee cup. This simple request helps to cut down on waste because that’s one less cup that will end up in a landfill. Also, the coffee-drinking experience can be a lot more enjoyable and special when you drink from a real mug. Nothing like a solid cup in your hands when you drink your favorite beverage.
Yet it's not the cups and lids alone that are creating problems for our planet. There are also disposable stirrers, straws and coffee pods that are adding to the waste problem. These little things may not sound like much individually but even a few people using something around every single day soon adds up fast. These tiny bits of waste can form a massive issue for Earth.
As customers, we have a say in how we drink and enjoy coffee, but what of the coffee shops themselves? To help minimize their effects on the environment, many coffee shops are doing their part. Some are releasing compostable cups and lids, which means their component parts can decompose naturally, such as cornstarch or sugarcane. This is a much better option, given that these cups will never turn into long-lasting waste. Others are providing discounts to customers who bring their own cups, or they sell reusable cups in their stores. It promotes that want to welcome all to take part and contribute positively.