Most of you will agree with me that a day hasn't really started until that first taste of coffee!! At home, at work, on a walk or whatever you do, chances are you've kicked the day off with a "cup" of coffee. Black, short, white, frothy ... this kick start of a beverage has become a staple part of the Australian diet. Its aroma attracts us, its taste a pleasure weather to get us going OR to stop and 'take 5' with a good friend! And it's appearance is so familiar we even use it to describe a range of colours from greys to browns.
However, as we grab that disposable cup when buying our takeaway coffee, we should feel responsible, because this apparently harmless object will affect the environment. It is estimated that Australians use well over one billion disposable coffee cups per year. That's an incredibly large number, and we have now become aware that the 'paper-cup' is not recyclable with the rest of the paper items we discard. Fortunately, instead of renouncing that beloved takeaway coffee, many Australians take action and choose alternative ways to enjoy this favourite hot drink, in a responsible and reusable way!
A mug is the easy solution: we use it, wash it and use it again. And if the lid is a feature you need, there is a whole market of reusable, beautiful, fun and healthy spill-proof cups out there. However, have you too hesitated at the bin, not sure if to place the paper cup in the recycling slot or the general waste? Here comes the Coffee Cup Station.
As the plastic lining of the common cup makes the recycling of its paper impossible with general paper waste, it must be directed to the appropriate plants. This VERY XL takeaway cup intends to do just this: helping us to have no hesitation and allowing us to dispose of it appropriately. I laughed, when I saw it first, as this eye catching bin is playful in appearance, but it's also clever, easy to use and just what's needed to encourage us all to do the right thing. This one is at Broadway Shopping Centre, NSW, but they are starting to pop up everywhere, so we now have no excuse to not use them!
If respecting our environment is as easy as separating a lid from a cup after finishing our takeaway coffee, what else can we easily do to contribute to a healthier planet?
Well this week more than any other, is one where I encourage you to visit the Planet Ark website, where there is plenty of information and suggestions for how you can create good recycling habits at home, work and school.
Not last, this week is National Recycling Week: see how you can be part of it. If you want to join me in Sydney, I'll be MC'ing the official launch event this Tuesday the 13th at Belmore Park - Haymarket, from 9.15-3.00pm along with plenty of stalls and information, so if you're nearby please come and say hello.
Now, grab that re-usable cup and reward yourself to one more coffee...
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.
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