How do you like your coffee?? In a container I am sure.
How are they made?
According to a 2023 study1, 6.5 million trees are cut down annually to produce 16 billion paper cups.
What happens to them after use?
Contrary to common belief, most single-use coffee containers are not recyclable. Even the ones that appear to be made of paper.
Containing hot beverage in paper is not an easy task. Coffee cups are usually lined with a plastic film or wax on the inside that prevents them from absorbing or leaking liquid.
That plastic lining can take decades to break down, all the while leaching microplastics. But even without the plastic, decomposing paper is hard on the environment. “If not properly disposed of or recycled, paper cups can end up in landfills where they decompose anaerobically, generating methane, a potent greenhouse gas.”
What should we do?
Avoid single use coffee cups as much as you can. At home, or at work, use ceramic coffee mugs readily available in stores. Options include different sizes and different styles to suit your need. You can even find customizable ones that you can have your name or a personal motivational note on.
If you travel a lot, or drink coffee on your commute, consider buying a insulated, spill-proof coffee containers like those from Contigo or Yeti.
Impact
According to a study conducted in 20212, carbon emissions from the reusable cup, including washing after use,
are 69% lower than for the paper cup that are thrown in landfill. 9.5% of this lowered emission is attributed to the manufacturing stage and 90.5% to the washing stage. The washing stage taking more than 90% of the total emission can be understood if we consider the reusability aspect of reusable coffee containers. An average container would be washed about 500 times during its lifespan. The emissions also include those produced by energy required to heat water for washing. So, washing would cold water, would further reduce the emissions associated with reusable coffee cups.