In a convenience-driven culture where single-use items are the norm, it's easy to overlook the long-term environmental impact of disposable coffee cups. Despite being warned repeatedly, why are we still not listening? According to reusables company and lifestyle brand Ecoset, there are a number of compelling reasons why people in Ireland should consider ditching the disposables in 2024.
1. Waste, waste and more waste
According to Repak an estimated 22,000 coffee cups are discarded in Ireland every hour. Scaling that up over a day, the numbers skyrocket to 528,000 cups daily, culminating in a staggering figure of 200 million cups annually.
2. Air pollution
Despite their appearance of sustainability, most disposable cups contain a plastic lining that renders them unrecyclable. It’s because of this petrochemical polyethylene (PE ) coating that many single-use disposable coffee cups end up in landfills or incinerators. This contributes to our ever-growing global waste problem, with approximately 22,000 cups per hour meeting this fate. Additionally, the incineration of these cups releases harmful pollutants into the air, further exacerbating environmental degradation.
3. Energy consumption
If we're disposing of 200 million coffee cups annually, we're also producing an equivalent number, with profound implications for energy consumption. The production of disposable cups involves a complex and energy-intensive process, from sourcing raw materials like paper and plastic to manufacturing, transportation, and disposal. Each stage demands significant energy inputs, contributing to a substantial carbon footprint.
4. Harming our coastlines
In Ireland, we're fortunate to have some of the world's most beautiful beaches right on our doorstep. Yet, the improper disposal of disposable coffee cups is tarnishing their natural beauty and endangering marine life. As these cups litter beaches and shorelines, the plastic within them breaks down into harmful microplastics, posing threats of entanglement, suffocation, and digestive issues for marine animals.
Agnese Santoro, programmes communications officer, Clean Coasts, noted, “For the past number of years, coffee cups have consistently been ranking among the top five items found by volunteers during our Big Beach Clean weekend. The latest Irish Business Against Litter survey confirms this concerning trend, with discarded cups encountered at nearly one-third of the 500 inspected locations.”
5. There are alternatives
By making the simple switch, and purchasing a reusable cup, you can enjoy your favourite take-away beverages guilt-free, knowing that you're actively reducing waste and contributing to a cleaner, greener future. Plus, with the possibility of a 'latte levy' on the horizon, opting for a reusable cup may prove to be a savvy financial decision as well.
"The latte levy debate in Ireland underscores the urgency of the issue," said Sarah Maunsell, founding director, Ecoset. "It not only raises awareness about the environmental impact of disposable cups but also incentivises individuals to make more sustainable choices and discourages single-use waste.”
What does the future hold?
Despite the grim facts and statistics surrounding disposable coffee cup waste, Ecoset remains optimistic about the positive changes emerging from their collaborations with industry partners.
“We're witnessing a surge in demand for co-branded reusable cups from cafes, restaurants and both large and smaller corporate companies throughout Ireland," said Oscar Lai, director of operations, Ecoset. "This signals a growing awareness of the need to break free from the cycle of single-use disposables and embrace reusable alternatives."
With staggering statistics revealing the detrimental impact on waste accumulation, air pollution, and coastal ecosystems, it's clear that urgent action is needed in tackling Ireland’s disposable coffee cup problem. However, according to Ecoset, by embracing reusable alternatives and fostering a culture of conscious consumption, we can make a positive difference for both the present and future generations. Let's make 2024 the year we prioritise sustainability and ditch the disposables for good.
For more information on Ecoset, or to check out the latest product range, visit www.theecoset.com
