Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the whole world. 1.1 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily which add up to 400 billion cups of coffee per year. The high rate of coffee consumption is directly proportional to the number of cups that are used. It is vital to consider the environmental implications that come with this massive consumption.
We love how coffee elevates our moods and keep us going all through the day, but it is also important to be aware of the issues that surround plastic waste. This includes polyethylene-line disposable coffee cups. Yes, coffee cups are largely made of paper, but disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic polyethylene, which allows it to be waterproof and to hold liquid.
Coffee cups are recyclable materials due to the complicated way it is produced and the contamination with the drink after it is used. The reality is that less than 1% of them are being recycled. We should be responsible for our actions as discarded plastic takes hundreds of years before it breaks down. Thus, plastic often causes a massive negative impact on the environment.
When plastics are gradually broken down, they result in tiny “microplastics” that if improperly stowed can be ingested by animals. The chemicals that they contain are potentially toxic for a lot of creatures, including humans. Plastic pollution has long been a problem in the marine environment.
The plastic used in coffee cups is not the only cause of concern. Even the paper component of coffee cups is a thing to worry about since they are made out of virgin paper pulp. That means trees are felled just to produce products that we use to drink our coffee. Not only that, manufacturing and distribution of single-use disposable coffee cups leave behind a carbon footprint that is harmful to the environment.
We are the stewards in the world that we live in. We are responsible for our actions and their impact on the environment. It is a must to raise awareness about nature, effect, and impact that disposable delivers. We cannot entirely refrain from using disposable coffee cups, but we should ensure that measures will be taken to prevent the misuse or the use on all products that are non-recyclable.
For once, let us not think of just ourselves and our comfort. Yes, disposable coffee cups are accessible, and they keep our coffee warm, but what about Mother Nature? The very reasons that give us comfort are the factors that prevent these cups from being recycled.
Think about the billions of paper cups that are used every single year. Imagine the number of trees being cut down just to produce them. Don’t forget the billions of gallons of water that goes to waste, which is enough energy to power thousands of homes. All of these things go to waste just for the production of coffee cups.
Next time you down a coffee cup, imagine all these. Drinking coffee has a lot of health benefits. There are many organic options that you can choose from. You can check Palinoia Coffee for all the healthy selections of coffee. And we only use 100% certified organic coffee pods that are completely biodegradable and compostable.
Let us do our share in keeping our world clean and safe. Drink your coffee using your own mug. Such a simple act can have a huge impact on the environment and its sustainability.