The disposable cup crisis: what’s the environmental impact of a to-go coffee?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The environmental impact of disposable coffee cups is significant, with their production, use, and disposal contributing to energy consumption, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions
• Companies like Starbucks are responding to this crisis by encouraging customers to bring their own cups, reflecting a growing concern about single-use cups

🔭 The context: Disposable cups, whether made from paper, plastic, or polystyrene foam, have detrimental environmental effects
• Polystyrene cups take about 500 years to decompose, emitting CO2 in the process
• Plastic cups contribute to microplastic pollution, and paper cups, often lined with plastic, are challenging to recycle and decompose, emitting methane in landfills

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The slow decomposition of disposable cups releases microplastics and pollutants, contributing to landfill overuse and harmful emissions
• This ongoing issue underscores the need for more sustainable practices in everyday consumer choices

⏭️ What's next: Efforts to reduce the use of disposable cups, such as Starbucks' BYOC initiative and the adoption of biodegradable cups, are important steps
• However, comprehensive solutions require systemic changes in consumption and waste management, as well as careful consideration of the lifecycle impacts of products

💬 One quote: "The best policies are those that encourage value retention by extending the life of products" (Rachel A Meidl, Rice University’s Baker Institute)

📈 One stat: The U.S. produces about 3 million tons of polystyrene annually, with 80% ending up in trash, including approximately 25 billion cups each year

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