Hands holding coffee cups - Justin Bhalla
Preventing Coffee Cup Waste
The UK is a country of coffee lovers, with the British Coffee Association estimating that 95 million cups are consumed every day. A government report found that the UK produces 30,000 tonnes of coffee cup waste each year, which is enough to fill London’s Royal Albert Hall! They predict that by 2025, 3.75 billion disposable cups will be used per year, which is a huge environmental concern as they are commonly littered and are difficult to recycle, with less than 1 in 400 recycled.
Many coffee shops are encouraging customers to bring their own cups to reduce waste and prevent pollution. Charging for carrier bags was introduced in the UK in 2015 and has inspired some coffee businesses to follow the same approach. The plastic bag charge has had huge success and seen the number of bags used in England reduced by more than 95%. The proceeds from the charge are not paid to the government but encouraged to be put towards environmental causes and has so far raised almost £180m.
How charging for coffee cups can help nature in Greater Manchester
Charging for coffee cups encourages customers to bring their own reusable cups to save money, reducing the demand for disposable cups which in turn reduces litter in our communities. The money raised through charging for cups can also be directed to environmental causes to ensure that our natural environment is thriving for generations to come. This brings benefits for all, from better air quality and climate change solutions to the health and wellbeing benefits spending time in nature brings.
The Greater Manchester Environment Fund is investing in nature, creating jobs, and boosting health and wellbeing across our region. By donating your proceeds from coffee cup charges to us, you can help us to create a brighter, greener future for Greater Manchester. Your donation will be directed to community-led projects that are working to improve our environment for nature and people. We have already supported over 100 projects, ranging from creating and restoring habitats to teaching local people how to grow their own food.
Through your support, we can reach more communities and make an even bigger impact for nature. Your staff can visit and volunteer with local projects, seeing first hand how your donation is making a difference.
If you would like to meet with our team to discuss this opportunity, you can get in touch with us by e-mailing gmenvfund@lancswt.org.uk.
