The Problem with Disposable Coffee Cups

Although disposable coffee cups have a cardboard outer, they also have a plastic liner that ensures no liquid will leak out. Therefore, even though the cardboard may degrade and cause little or no environmental problems, the plastic will continue to exist for many years to come unless it’s incinerated. Most of it isn’t and ends up in landfill, littering the country or blowing into the sea, which is a problem we all need to sort out.

It is a problem that is growing, however, with an estimated one billion disposable coffee cups reckoned to be used in Australia every year — that’s a staggering 2.7 million every single day. Indeed, after plastic bottles, disposable coffee cups are the next biggest cause of litter waste.

Some disposable cups are claimed to be recyclable and certain local councils will accept them for recycling. Most don’t, however, and so the majority of coffee cups that go into the waste system are either incinerated (which can add to air pollution) or go to landfill. One estimate states that almost 90% of disposable cups finish up in landfill, which is the equivalent of 60,000 kilogrammes of plastic waste every year.

It is a problem that seems so unnecessary because we are, after all, using precious resources to make something that’s used for only a few minutes and then thrown away. It’s also a potentially dangerous practice since the plastic used for the liner may contain BPA and phthalates, which can cause harmful toxins to seep into your drink.

How You Can Help Solve the Problem

Although some disposable cups are claimed to be biodegradable, there is little scientific evidence that the process works and so such cups can remain a problem for many years. Others are claimed to be compostable but may still finish up in landfill if composting is not available.

Due to this uncertainty, it’s best to avoid disposable coffee cups altogether. Drinking your coffee within the café or coffee shop means you have a ceramic cup that will be washed and used again many times. However, if you’re on the go and in a hurry, this may not be possible.

The best option is to have a reusable coffee cup that’s made in Australia, reducing air miles and making use of local labour. Our reusable cups are made locally and ethically from renewable materials that are free of harmful chemicals. They’re good looking, durable and practicable, and will keep your coffee hot and safe from spills.

Having a reusable cup is a practicable alternative to a disposable one and is increasingly encouraged by many outlets. Indeed, some of them offer a discount to those customers who bring their own cups so you could actually save money as well as doing your bit to save the planet.

Using clean lines and simple functionality, Kappi offers a range of lifestyle products; from cotton, eco & vegetable bags to reusable coffee cups & safety razors that look good, feel good, and most importantly, do good.