Love Coffee, Love The Earth
Confession: I used to be that girl who posted Instagram pics of the red Christmas Starbucks cup. In fact, I used to go to Starbucks for the sole purpose of getting a photo with that cup. It was a thing. Since then, I've learned that disposable coffee cups are a serious problem. Although some disposable cups are recyclable, most end up in landfill. Damn my seemingly innocent Starbucks cup. I’ve now changed my ways, and I’m sure you can too. Here’s how to be aesthetic and drink coffee all while loving the Earth at the same time.
Keep Cup Ah, the notorious Keep Cup. With 34 different colours including Punk Pink and Han Solo, you can make the cup your own: sweet violet lid, white plug and cork band, there’s something for everybody. Talk about environmentally friendly - the cork edition is not only aesthetically pleasing but can be composted. Cost: Varying prices ($12-$38) | Availability: Online and in selected NZ stores.Total: 5/5
JOCO Cup Made from glass and silicone, the JOCO cup is entirely plastic free. It comes in 5 different sizes, 19 different colours and an artist series featuring unique designs. The tilted lid makes drinking easy, and the cup is dishwasher safe. JOCO has partnered with ‘Take 3 For The Sea’ to create limited edition designs which help to spread awareness about plastic in our oceans. Cost: Mid-range ($25.50-$34) | Availability: Limited NZ stores and online. | Total: 5/5
SoL Cup Described as a “sleek and sexy design”, the SoL cup is simple, elegant, and comes in 3 different sizes. The cup itself is beautifully hand-blown, made from glass and silicone and is plastic free. Available in 13 different colours and dishwasher safe. I purchased this cup, and I love it. It’s a little more expensive than the other options, but buy one and, like me, become a #Solmate. Cost: A tad costly ($28-$35) | Availability: Online only | Total: 4/5
Ideal Cup New Zealand owned and made, buy the Ideal Cup and you’re supporting local business. Comes in one size only (12 oz), in 13 colours and a variety of Kiwiana designs. Grab one of these for yourself or as a gift and support our national reusable cup brand. Cost: Affordable! All cups $17 Availability: Online and in many NZ outlets, including AUT. Total: 3.5/5
All of these options are better than a one-use cup that isn’t recyclable. Coffee outlets like the The Gateau House and even Starbucks will also reward you. So, save money, look cool, and love the Earth.