Every year, billions of single-use coffee cups are thrown away and end up in landfill where they take hundreds of years to decompose. Despite a commitment from coffee shops to make their cups more environmentally friendly, there are still issues. So, what’s the alternative?
By making the switch to reusable coffee cups, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste and make a positive impact on the environment. Reusable coffee cups, coffee flasks and travel mugs are not only better for the environment, but they also come in a variety of different fun designs, are easy to clean, convenient on-the-go and can save you money in the long run.
Think you’re ready to make the switch? Read on to learn more about the many fantastic benefits of reusable coffee mugs and travel mugs.
1. They will keep your hot coffee warm and iced coffee cold
Reusable coffee cups and travel mugs are often designed with insultation in mind. Insulated cups consist of two layers of metal or plastic with a vacuum-sealed space in between them. This vacuum area means that hot drinks will stay warm for a much longer period of time and cold drinks will stay cool by reducing the transfer of heat both in and out of the travel cup.
Single-use coffee cups, on the other hand, are typically made from paper or plastic and do not provide much insulation. So, whether you prefer a warming cup of hot coffee to start the day or a deliciously refreshing iced coffee as an afternoon pick me up, an insulated coffee mug will be your new best friend and you won’t want to leave the house without it.
2. They are sustainable
Reusable coffee cups are better for the environment than single-use coffee cups as disposable cups often don’t get recycled and end up in landfill. On top of this, many disposable coffee cups aren’t recyclable at all because they are lined with plastic which cannot be separated from the cardboard. By switching to reusable cups, you can help reduce the amount of single-use paper and plastic coffee cups that end up in landfill.
It’s thought that a reusable coffee mug needs to be used between 20 and 100 times in order to have lower emissions than a disposable cup so to ensure your reusable coffee cup has a positive effect you should commit to using it for as long as possible. After a while of using a travel mug, it quickly becomes part of your daily routine and this shouldn’t be hard to achieve.
3. Designs to fit any style
If the look of your coffee flask is important to you, there are many fantastic travel mugs on the market, so you’re guaranteed to find a reusable coffee cup to suit your style. Forget plain old coffee cups and instead imagine an endless array of colours, patterns, prints, logos and materials. From ceramic travel mugs and stainless-steel travel mugs to travel mugs with straws, there is a reusable coffee mug for everyone.
4. They can be used in coffee shops
Most coffee shops are happy for customers to bring their own reusable coffee cups. In fact, many coffee shops offer discounts when you bring your own cup to welcome the movement away from single-use plastic cups. So, not only are you reducing waste by using a cup you can use time and time again but you’re also saving yourself money in the long run.
Just remember to politely ask your server for your drink in your travel cup before you complete your order, so they don’t get started on your drink in a single use cup, ensure the mug lid is off and make sure the inside of the mug is clean and empty. Don’t forget to thank your server!
5. You won’t burn your hands
One of the biggest issues people have with single-use coffee cups made from paper or plastic is that they don’t protect your hand when drinking a hot beverage. Not ideal, right?
Insulated coffee mugs, on the other hand, retain heat well and often come with a silicone sleeve that protects your hand from the mug’s hot contents as well as providing another layer of insulation. Not only this, but reusable mugs and travel cups are more ergonomic as the silicone sleeve is designed to provide better grip and fit more comfortably in the hand.
6. Brew your coffee at home and save money
In addition to coffee shop discount schemes for bringing your own cup, reusable coffee cups can help you save money by encouraging you to make your own coffee at home. With so many fantastic coffee makers available to buy on the market, its super easy for coffee enthusiasts to make delicious coffee at home and cut back on daily coffee expenditures. Reusable coffee flasks and travel mugs are excellent for home-brewed coffee and on-the-go activities like the school run or work commute.
7. Leak proof lids
Another key advantage of reusable coffee cups is that many come with practical leak-proof lids. So, whether you’re commuting to work, walking around town or simply enjoying your coffee at home you can have peace of mind knowing that your cup won’t leak or spill. This is essential if you’re carrying a hot beverage as spills can not only be messy but also potentially dangerous.
Not only does a leak proof lid prevent spillages, but it also provides convenience, promotes hygiene and helps to maintain the temperature of the beverage.
8. Easy to clean
Keeping your coffee cup clean is essential for maintaining good hygiene. Reusable coffee mugs are easy to clean and maintain, and most can be put in the dishwasher. With a simple and efficient cleaning process, you can quickly and easily wash your cup and have it ready for its next use.
For a thorough clean, you should separate the cup from the lid and use dish soap to remove any residue as well as any lingering flavours or odours. Not only is regularly cleaning of your coffee flask important for maintaining good hygiene, but it also helps to maintain the mug’s quality and finish, meaning it will look as good as new for years to come.
9. They are affordable
Like many reusable products, prices may vary depending on a number of factors including the brand, features and materials a reusable coffee cup is made from. From ceramic travel mugs and glass travel cups to stainless steel travel mugs, there are so many types of reusable coffee cup to choose from.
At one end of the spectrum, you can get your hands on a reusable coffee mug for under £10 if you’re on a budget or at the other end of the spectrum, premium brands may charge a lot more. Depending on what you’re willing to pay, a reusable coffee mug will save you money in the long run and you will quickly realise how good of an investment they really are.
10. Convenience
Last but not least, reusable coffee cups and travel mugs are lightweight, compact and designed to be used when you’re on-the-go. With many travel mugs featuring the practical addition of a leakproof lid, you can easily carry it in your bag or backpack once you’re done with your drink. As mentioned above, they’re also super easy to clean and are dishwasher safe so they’re essentially hassle-free.
If you’re a regular coffee drinker, reusable coffee cups are a must. After a while of using a travel mug it will become a part of your daily routine and you’ll always have it on you. Whether you’re brewing your favourite Penningtons’ coffee blend at home or are visiting your local coffee shop, an insulated coffee mug won’t go amiss. So, are you ready to make the change?