Enough with the Plastic Already: Coffee Cups

Americans use 14 million disposable cups every year. While getting a paper cup & plastic lid for your daily coffee fix may be the norm, the waste generation and resource use is enormous! Plastic lids are infrequently recycled, and either end up in landfills or the ocean. Up to 80% of marine debris starts out on land! Paper cups come from trees and contribute to our already crowded landfills.

The good news is, there are ways to reduce your impact without giving up your latte. COARE is working with businesses and consumers to educate them about sustainable, responsible choices they can make every day at the coffee counter.

We're reminding you of a few powerful moves that help save our oceans, one cup at a time:

1. Get Mugged! Bring your own reusable coffee mug every day. It saves a cup, keeps your drink warmer, and many establishments offer small discounts or perks when you do.

2. Drop your top! If you're up for the challenge, skip the plastic lid entirely. It saves plastic and can be unnecessary if you're not running for the bus.

3. Dispense with straws! Plastic straws and stirrers may seem small, but every little bit can end up as a shorebird's lunch. BYO straw if you just can't part with one. Read more about straws here.

4. Order "For here"! Many establishments offer ceramic mugs if you're dining in. Speak up and save a cup!