Get buzzed, not trashed.
Spring semester has begun on college campus, and the local coffee shop is calling your name.Between the cafe lattes and delicious dark roasts you grab on the way to morning class, there can be a build up of those convenient to-go cups. Some are made of paper, such as the ones Starbucks gives to customers, and these are recyclable. However, some are composed of Styrofoam, which are not recyclable.
While I encourage you all to recycle the cups that you are able to, I want to share a few green ideas to take you coffee shop regulars even closer to an eco-foodie lifestyle.
1. Bring your own mug.
When you are able to, bring your own travel mug to the coffee shop and ask if your drink can be put it instead of a disposable to-go container. Chances are that the business would be happy to save the extra cup and oblige your environ-mentality.
2. Reuse the disposable cups.
As long as the cups do not sit too long with a sugary drink in them, they are still good to be used again. Simply give the cup a quick rinse and save it for the next time you want a morning pick-me-up, or if you are sending a friend off with a nice cup of cheer!3. Ask for a non-disposable mug.
If you are planning to sit in the shop and enjoy your hot drink with some light reading, ask them to put your drink in a non-disposable mug, such as a ceramic cup. This will save you the hassle of having to deal with the leftover container, and save the shop a few pretty pennies as well.
The coffee we enjoy regularly is produced through the bounty of Mother Nature, so let's be sure to thank her by enjoying the gift in a more responsible way!
Do you know a good way to incorporate environmentalism into the coffee shop? Share your ideas here so we may all learn the best ways to love the Earth through the love of food- and coffee!
