Whats wrong with disposable cups?
Most disposable paper cups are not recyclable. The paper cup is made from a composite of materials: kraft bleached paper sprayed with a polyethylene coating. Paper cups are often impregnated with toxic dyes which make them difficult to recycle. The plastic lining in disposable paper cups means they are not recyclable. In arid regions like Australia, biodegradation of a paper cup can take 50 years or more. It’s not just the cup and lid that go into landfill. On average, each disposable cup contains 5% of the raw materials involved in the process of making and delivering it. It is a choice. We can destroy fewer trees and reduce landfill, CO2 and energy output. Small acts can make a big difference – for better and for worse. The environmental impact of all single use items is great. Through good design and a little effort we can easily incorporate reuse into our daily routine. Check out our research and the links to other websites we believe take a great position on environmental issues.
