Comments on: Rethinking Your (disposable) Coffee Cup

By: Colin

Colin — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:33:35 +0000

what i feel is best not to even have both as an option.
more of bringing your cup everywhere you go. it maybe troublesome, but think of the long run and we need F&B companies to understand this and this way they could also save cost unless it is a restaurant where they serve in glasses but i am referring to those serving in plastic or paper or Styrofoam cups . It is down to habit we need to break, it is breaking from our comfort zone. It is not the matter of whether you or i have the money to pay for it, it is the matter of the future.

By: Lorne

Lorne — Fri, 14 May 2010 07:46:28 +0000

Global consumption of papermaking fibers is on increasing trend – from 300 million tonnes in 1997 to estimated of 425 million tonnes in 2010. Conversely, timber availability is projected to be on a downward course in the next 20 years, leading to higher growth in alternative non-wood pulp.

high cost of wood pulp – (1) electricity, oil & gas are depleting resources, prices increases which are having a significant adverse impact on the wood products and paper industry, particularly those countries with large areas and long transport distances between the resources, the mills and market place, such as Australia and Canada,(2) government policies and mandates which have an adverse effect on containing the operational costs of wood products and paper industry, preserve forests and limit logging activities, (3) more costly harvesting, and (4) it takes 50 years before one can economically harvest a tree.

Most paper source is located in countries where flood, earthquakes and drought occur and that is a concerning factor on supply & demand issue that is very much associated with price fluctuation. Wet weather in north America causing difficulty in harvesting and increasing paper demand in China are also contributing factors in increasing cost of wood pulp.

All these have caused an equilibrium issue in the of supply & demand of paper, thus affecting the price.

If only there’s one sustainable pulp that can replaces wood-pulp and is free from regulatory changes, restrictive procurement policies, restrictive land use policies, fully utilizing of energy such as steam from milling process and meeting at a competitive price, wouldn’t that be great???

YES, there is indeed such sustainable pulp in market with no chemicals added into process…I came across last year and visited the plant in Malaysia…

And if there’s anyone interested to know more, I can make arrangement to visit the plant and understand more in the process….exciting!!!

By: Wendy Gibson

Wendy Gibson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:10:50 +0000

Always pros always cons on all sides! But my main questions would be in relation to their disposal or recycle-ability!

Simple steps to avoid them as much as poss: At work take in a proper mug, Give cheap ceramic mugs to your colleagues. Better on the waistline than sharing cakes, cookies & sweet treats! . I often take my travel mug with me on journeys. If I do use a disposable cup I bring it home & use as handy containers for kids pencils, & general odds n ends,kids can decorate them too. I am on the look out for a smaller lighter stainless steel travel mug & a reasonable cost. If I find one I’ll let you know.

By: sigit

sigit — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:52:19 +0000

i choose steel, cause it’s light weight so you can bring while traveling.

By: Climate Change – Making the Difference with Every Little Bite : Green Kampong – Inspiring a greener today

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:21:41 +0000

[...] http://www.greenkampong.com/tech-science/rethinking-your-disposable-coffee-cup/ [...]

By: San

San — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:53:09 +0000

Well. I agree. and it’s sad that after so many years (some of the research is almost 20 years old) that it appears to Still be the case that styrofoam is the ecological choice (for disposable cups)! It is just wrong?!
tick tock!

By: Nicko

Nicko — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:50:47 +0000

Interesting post. This “paper vs styrofoam” has raged for years now, and I wouldn’t think one side has won yet. There’s simply too many variables that can change. For instance, what if paper cups were manufactured using alternative energy, certified forests, and were recycled at the end of their lives? That might certainly change the conclusion presented here.

That being said, I think this issue is avoiding the real answer. Imagine an environmentally aware individual trying to decide whether to take the Hummer or the Landrover to work that day, and completely neglecting the bicycle in the closet. We all have reusable coffee cups stashed in our panties. If one is truly concerned about the environmental impact of their coffee cup, I think we all know what the best answer is.

Thanks again for covering a topic that’s near and dear to my heart. Looking forward to the next piece!

Nicko
Director, Sustainability Is Sexy