by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
Only recently arrived from Australia in Britain the “Keep Cup” is the alternative to the paper cup or the polystyrene cup for takeaway coffee.
“Keep Cup”, made from polypropylene is a far better alternative to the paper- or the polystyrene cup than the “I Am No Paper Cup” ceramic offering.
Who in their right mind would want to cart a ceramic “take out” cup with them?
Aside from the fact that ceramic is breakable it is heavy and hence the “Keep Cup” may just be the answer to the non-recyclable paper or polystyrene cups.
Previously you have had only the option of the paper or polystyrene or a travel mug which – one – is costly and – two – there are no “controlled” sizes of them. This means that a barista normally does not know what to do with it in way of size that will fit into cup. Also, most of those mugs do not fit under the machines.
The “Keep Cup” on the other hand do. They have been developed by coffeehouse owners & operators in conjunction with a plastics designer.
Made from polypropylene the “Keep Cup” is very light and, most importantly, they are recyclable at the end of their life.
The lifespan given for the cup is four years but, I must say, it beats me why that limit. I am sure that it could last much, much longer than that.
The key features of the “Keep Cup” a pleasing surface from which to drink, a lid that pops on and off, and they look and handle good.
From an environmental standpoint, while still oil dependent, the cup has a low energy embodiment, is reusable, unbreakable and, as the end of its life, recyclable.
The “Keep Cup” is designed and manufactured in Australia and made from polypropylene and is BPA free. The latter is another great plus and much more than what can be guaranteed as to the liners of the travel mugs of the various types and sizes.
What's wrong with disposable cups, some may ask, especially the paper cups. What paper cups?
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, “bio-degradation” of a paper cup can take 50 years or more.
And even when the cup “biodegrades” it still leaves the plastic as every smaller particles and we do, therefore, not know what long-term damage this plastic may eventually do.
It is 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.
You can have a closer look by visiting their website at: www.keepcup.com
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