www.cbc.ca/news/world/berkeley-businesses-single-use-to-go-coffee-cups-fee-1.5395807
Above is a link to an article telling of the City of Berkeley now starting a 25cent charge for single use take away cups to discourage the use of single use plastics.
There is a company starting up with reusable cups that people can purchase with a deposit, and drop off at receptacles for cleaning and return.
Honestly, I wish we could go back to the days when sitting with a coffee or tea at a restaurant was the thing to do. Or actually making coffee at work and having a chat with others if the coffee room.
These days many coffee shops don't even offer ceramic mugs, the old 'to stay or go?' has become a thing of the past, and every cup is poured in a paper cup with a plastic top. In Canada we have a Tim Horton's in every town, and you have to ask for a ceramic mug and are lucky if they have any. (Sorry, they are all being washed! is the usual reply)
Do you thing Berkely can change a culture by charging extra? Or do you think this will now become a money-grab for most coffee/tea shops? Currently the cost for the cup is built into the price of the coffee, as was the washing of said cup if used in the shop.
I personally rarely purchase 'to-go' drinks in single use cups. We have a coffee machine at work; I use a ceramic mug. On car trips of any length we have thermos mugs. I see my young co-workers arrive with disposable cups in the morning, and most go out at lunch and come back with another. It just seems such a waste to me, but I don't know if charging extra will change their habits.
Perhaps a picture of frowning Greta at the coffee shop tills with make a difference. And I don't mean any disrespect by that comment - I think she has done more to raise awareness than any.
Sometimes it’s just the small things that press the bruise isn’t it? 😢
