Ready to take your coffee game to the next level while saving the planet? Bringing a reusable tumbler for your takeaway cup of joe (or juice, or smoothie, or protein shake!) is a fantastic way to make a positive impact on the Earth every single day. And it’s easier than you think! And if you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about making this change, we’ve got you covered with some easy tips to get you started.
Did you know that over 16 billion disposable coffee cups are used globally each year? Yikes! These cups often end up in landfills, taking up to 30 years to decompose. And if you’re thinking ‘why not just recycle it,’ I’ve got some bad news for you. Cafes use cups lined with polyethylene, a plastic that acts as a moisture barrier. These cups are unable to be recycled unless the lining is separated from the paper. By switching to a reusable cup, you can help make a dent in this huge problem.
But let’s be real: it can be a bit nerve wracking to ask for your drink in a reusable cup, especially if you haven’t done it before. It might feel awkward to hand over your cup, especially if you don’t know how the barista will react. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We even felt awkward at first! But for the last 6 years we’ve been using our Pirani at coffee shops, smoothie places, breweries, juice bars, water refills stations and so many more places! We’re pretty sure we’ve perfected the art of BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup). The good news is, most baristas and staff are used to it now and appreciate the effort!
1. Choose the Right Cup: Find a reusable cup that suits your style and needs. The Pirani reusable tumbler is a fantastic choice (if we do say so ourselves!). It keeps your drinks hot or cold for hours, so you can enjoy your coffee just the way you like it – even if you won’t be drinking your beverage right away.
2. Keep It Accessible: Make it a habit to carry your reusable cup with you. Keep it in your bag, car, or at your workplace so it’s always within reach. Think of it as your trusty sidekick on your daily adventures. Or just use this handy checklist when leaving the house: ✅ Phone, ✅ Keys, ✅ Wallet, ✅ Pirani
4. Communicate Clearly: When ordering your coffee, just let the barista know you have a reusable cup. The vast majority of places are totally cool with it. Remember to take the lid off before you hand it to them! Pro tip: Know the amount of ounces that your cup holds so they can figure out what size will fit.
5. Practice Confidence: It might feel a bit daunting at first, but remember, you’re doing something awesome for the planet. Be confident and courteous when presenting your cup, and soon it will feel like second nature. Honestly, it gets less scary every time you do it!
6. Clean It Regularly: Ideally your cup will be clean, but some baristas may offer to rinse it out for you. To avoid any funky smells, clean your reusable cup thoroughly after each use. If you have a Pirani, just pop it in the dishwasher! Because no one wants their latte tasting like yesterday’s smoothie.
Bonuses to Bringing Your Own Cup: Some cafes will actually give you a discount for bringing your own cup. After all, you’re saving them a little bit of money by not using a paper cup, lid or sleeve! Alternatively, some shops will charge you for a small coffee and pour you a large if your reusable cup has room for it. Win/win!
More and more cafes, juice bars and smoothie shops are allowing reusable cups! Covid slowed down this movement for a bit, but things are well and truly back in action. We see people bringing reusable cups everywhere!
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offer a 20 cent discount when you bring your own cup. Peet’s coffee will give you a 10 cent discount when bringing your own cup. Most Dunkin’ locations will allow you to bring your own cup. Famously, 7-11 has their “bring your own cup” day every year, where you can bring any drinking vessel and fill it up with a Slurpee for just $1.99. Might be a good time to dust off our giant Pirani cups!
Starbucks has recently upped the game and now lets you bring your own cup when ordering in the drive thru or picking up an order. Simply select the option that says, “I’m bringing my own cup.” They’ll put your drink in a pitcher for you to pour when you get there. How cool is that?
Switching to a reusable cup might seem like a small step, but it has a big impact. By reducing the number of disposable cups you use, you’re helping to decrease waste and protect our beautiful planet. So, next time you head out for a coffee, grab your Pirani and #caffeinatesustainably!
